bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of Interlayer Spacing Collapse During Polymer/Clay Nanocomposite Melt Intercalation
Authors: Benali Samira , Peeterbroeck Sophie , Larrieu Jérôme , Laffineur Fabrice , Pireaux Jean-Jacques , Alexandre Michaël , Dubois Philippe
Published: April 2020

The influence of the chemical structure of alkylammonium organo-modifying montmorillonite clays on the ability to form nanocomposites by melt blending, depending on the processing temperature and the organoclay thermal treatment, has been investigated. On one side chlorinated polyethylene/Cloisite®30B
(nano)composite has been prepared by melt intercalation at 175 °C and its wide angle X-ray diffraction pattern revealed that the peak characteristic of the interlayer spacing of the organoclay was shifted to lower d-spacing, indicating a collapse of the organoclay structure. On
the other side, (nano)composites based on ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer/Cloisite®30B have been prepared by melt intercalation at 140 °C. At this temperature, exfoliation was observed with the as-received organoclay while the same organo-modified clay, simply dried at
180 °C for 2 hours, induced again the formation of a composite with a collapsed structure. The effect of the Cloisite®30B thermal treatment on the morphology and mechanical properties of ethylene-vinyl acetate–based (nano)composites was investigated using wide angle
X-ray diffraction and tensile tests. In order to shed some light on the origin of this clay interlayer collapse, organoclay modified with various ammonium cations bearing long alkyl chains with different amounts of unsaturations were studied using wide angle X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron
spectroscopy before and after thermal treatment at 180 °C for 2 hours. Isothermal thermogravimetric analysis of all organoclays was also investigated. The layers collapse effect is discussed depending upon the level of unsatured hydrocarbon present in the organic surfactant.
Fabrication and Characterization of Polyaniline–ZnO Hybrid Nanocomposite Thin Films
Authors: Kaushik Ajeet , Kumar Jitendra , Tiwari M. K. , Khan R. , Malhotra B. D. , Gupta Vinay , Singh S. P.
Published: April 2020

Polyaniline (PANI)–ZnO nanocomposite thin film has been successfully fabricated on glass substrates by using vacuum deposition technique. The as-grown PANI–ZnO nanocomposite thin films have been characterized using X-ray diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Atomic
Force Microscopy, UV-visible spectrophotometer and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, respectively. X-ray diffraction of as-grown film shows the reflection of ZnO nanoparticles along with a broad peak of PANI. The surface morphology of nanocomposite films has been investigated
using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The hypsochromic shift of the UV absorption band corresponding to π–π* transition in polymeric chain of PANI and a band at 504 cm –1 due to ZnO nanoparticles has been observed in
the FTIR spectra. The hydrogen bonding between the imine group of PANI and ZnO nanoparticle has been confirmed from the presence of the absorbance band at 1151 cm–1 in the FTIR spectra of the nanocomposite thin films.
Rheology of Polyaniline-Dinonylnaphthalene Disulfonic Acid (DNNDSA) Montmorillonite Clay Nanocomposites in the Sol State: Shear Thinning versus Pseudo-Solid Behavior
Authors: Garai Ashesh , Nandi Arun K.
Published: April 2020

The melt rheology of polyaniline (PANI)-dinonylnaphthalenedisulfonic acid (DNNDSA) gel nanocomposites (GNCs) with organically modified (modified with cetyl trimethylammonium bromide)-montmorillonite (om-MMT) clay has been studied for three different clay concentrations at the temperature
range 120–160 °C. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and dc-conductivity data (∼10–3 S/cm) indicate that the PANI-DNNDSA melt is in sol state and it is not de-doped
at that condition. The WAXS data indicate that in GNC-1 sol clay tactoids are in exfoliated state but in the other sols they are in intercalated state. The zero shear viscosity (η0), storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) increase than that
of pure gel in the GNCs. The pure sol and the sols of gel nanocomposites (GNCs) exhibit Newtonian behavior for low shear rate (<6 × 10–3 s–1) and power law variation for the higher shear rate region. The characteristic time (λ) increase with
increasing clay concentration and the power law index (n) decreases with increase in clay concentration in the GNCs indicating increased shear thinning for the clay addition. Thus the sols of om-clay nanocomposites of PANI-DNNDSA system are easily processible. The storage modulus (G′)
of GNC sols are higher than that of pure PANI-DNNDSA sol, GNC1 sol shows a maximum of 733% increase in storage modulus and the percent increase decreases with increase in temperature. Exfoliated nature of clay tactoids has been attributed for the above dramatic increase of G′.
The PANI-DNNDSA sol nanocomposites behave as a pseudo-solid at higher frequency where G′ and loss modulus (G′′) show a crossover point in the frequency sweep experiment at a fixed temperature. The crossover frequency decreases with increase in clay concentration
and it increases with increase in temperature for GNC sols. The pseudo-solid behavior has been explained from jamming or network formation of clay tactoids under shear. A probable explanation of the two apparently contradictory phenomena of shear thinning versus pseudo-solid behavior of the
nanocomposite sols is discussed.
Biodegradable Nanocomposites of Poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate): The Effect of Nanoparticles
Authors: Maiti Pralay , Prakash Yadav Jaya P.
Published: April 2020

Copolymer of hydroxybutyrate and hydroxyvalerate, P(HB-HV)/layered silicate or hydroxyapatite nanocomposites were prepared via melt extrusion. The nanostructure, as observed from wide-angle X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy, indicate intercalated hybrids for layered
silicates. Hydroxyapatite of nanometer dimension is uniformly distributed in matrix copolymer. The nanohybrids show significant improvement in thermal and mechanical properties of the copolymer as compared to the neat copolymer. The layered silicate nanocomposites exhibit superior mechanical
properties as compared to hydroxyapatite nanohybrid. The thermal expansion coefficient is significantly reduced in nanohybrids. The biodegradability of pure copolymer and its nanocomposites were studied at room temperatures under controlled conditions in compost media. The rate of biodegradation
of copolymer is enhanced dramatically in the nanohybrids. Hydroxyapatite hybrid shows highest rate of biodegradation. The change in biodegradation is streamlined in terms of nature of nanoparticles used to prepare hybrids.
Structure and Mechanical Properties of Polycarbonate Modified Clay Nanocomposites
Authors: Guduri Babu R. , Luyt Adriaan S.
Published: April 2020

Polycarbonate (PC)/modified clay nanocomposites were prepared, in the absence and presence of different amounts of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP-g-MA), by direct melt blending. Their structures, as well as mechanical, morphological and thermal properties, were characterized
by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), tensile testing, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermo-gravimetric analysis (TGA). The XRD results of the PC/clay nanocomposites showed that they had intercalated structures, although some exfoliation was visible at low clay contents, that the gallery
heights of the PC/clay nanocomposites were almost the same, and that some of the clay layers collapsed as a result of modifier decomposition at the high processing temperature. The XRD patterns of the PC/PP-g-MA/clay nanocomposites clearly show less intercalation and more exfoliation with
increasing PP-g-MA content. These results were supported by TEM observations. Both the tensile strength and modulus show substantial improvements with both increasing clay and PP-g-MA contents, while the elongation at break substantially decreases, although the presence of PP-g-MA somewhat
improves these values. All the nanocomposites have lower thermal stability than pure PC, but the presence of PP-g-MA seems to improve the thermal stability of these samples.
Thermal Stability and Degradation Kinetics of Polystyrene/Organically-Modified Montmorillonite Nanocomposites
Authors: Chigwada Grace , Kandare Everson , Wang Dongyan , Majoni Stephen , Mlambo Darlington , Wilkie Charles A. , Hossenlopp Jeanne M.
Published: April 2020

Organically-modified montmorillonite (MMT) clays have been prepared using ammonium salts containing quinoline, pyridine, benzene, and styrenic groups. The nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending and the formation of nanocomposites was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD)
and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Thermal stability and flammability were evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and cone calorimetry measurements, respectively. The presence ofmodified MMT at 5% loading resulted in significant improvement in thermal stability compared to
the virgin polymer. Effective activation energies for mass loss were determined via a model-free isoconversional approach from TGA data obtained under N2 and under air. The additives served to raise the activation energy, with a more significant impact observed under pyrolysis conditions.
The onset temperature of degradation and temperature of maximum decomposition rate are increased, while the peak heat release rate and mass loss rates are significantly reduced in the presence of three of the modified clays. No reduction in the total heat released is observed.
Influence of Clay Incorporation on the Physical Properties of Polyethylene/Brazilian Clay Nanocomposites
Authors: Barbosa R. , Araújo E. M. , Melo T. J. A. , Ito E. N. , Hage E.
Published: April 2020

High density polyethylene/Brazilian clay nanocomposites were prepared by the melt intercalation technique. A montmorillonite sample from Boa Vista/PB, Northeast of Brazil, was organically modified with esthearildimethylammonium chloride (Praepagen WB) quaternary ammonium salt. The unmodified
and modified clays with the quaternary ammonium salt were introduced in 1, 2, 3 and 5 wt% in a PE polymer matrix. The dispersion analysis and the interlayer distance of the clay particles were obtained by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mechanical properties
of tensile and the flammability of the nanocomposites were studied. In general, the mechanical properties of the systems presented superior values compared to the matrix. The systems showed a reduction on the burning rate, indicating that the flammability resistance of nanocomposites was improved.
Synthesis and Characterization of Potassium Metal/Graphitic Carbon Nanofiber Intercalates
Authors: Michel Jason A. , Robinson Vance S. , Yang Liu , Sambandam Senthil , Lu Weijie , Westover Tyler , Fisher Timothy S. , Lukehart Charles M.
Published: April 2020

Direct reaction of herringbone, platelet, or narrow, tubular herringbone graphitic carbon nanofibers (GCNFs) with molten potassium gives K/GCNF intercalates with stoichiometric control of potassium loading. Intercalate formation is confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction and micro-Raman
spectroscopy. K/GCNF intercalates act as radical-anion alkene polymerization catalysts and reduce water with stoichiometric formation of hydrogen gas. Stage-1 K/narrow, tubular GCNF intercalate exhibits thermionic emission at 300 °C. Stage-1 K/herringbone GCNF intercalate is an excellent
thermionic emitter having high thermal stability up to 1000 °C. K/GCNF intercalates have much reduced work functions of ca. 2.2 eV with localized emission showing a work function of 1.6 eV.
Nano-Sized Micelles of Block Copolymers of Methoxy Poly(ethylene glycol)-Poly(ε-caprolactone)-Graft-2-Hydroxyethyl Cellulose for Doxorubicin Delivery
Authors: Hsieh Ming-Fa , Van Cuong Nguyen , Chen Chao-Hsuan , Chen Yung Tsung , Yeh Jui-Ming
Published: April 2020

The amphiphilic block copolymers methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) was grafted to 2-hydroxyethyl cellulose to produce the water-soluble copolymers. Doxorubicin loaded nanoparticles were prepared by dialysis method and the sizes of nanoparticles were determined
by dynamic light scattering in solution and atomic force microscopes. As results the sizes were detected in a range of 197.4 to 340.7 nm. The in-vitro release of Dox was studied in phosphate and acetate buffered solution at 37 °C. The results showed that 43 and 53% of Dox remained
after an incubation period of 7 days. The cytotoxicity of Dox loaded micelles was investigated in two different human MCF-7/wild type and MCF-7/Adriamycin drug resistant cells lines. The Dox-loaded micelles showed reduced cytotoxicity compared to free Dox in MCF-7/wild type and MCF-7/Adriamycin
drug resistant cells.
Pulse Electroplating of Copper Film: A Study of Process and Microstructure
Authors: Zhang Xi , Tu K. N. , Chen Zhong , Tan Y. K. , Wong C. C. , Mhaisalkar S. G. , Li X. M. , Tung C. H. , Cheng C. K.
Published: April 2020

Copper films with high density of twin boundaries are known for high mechanical strength with little tradeoff in electrical conductivity. To achieve such a high density, twin lamellae and spacing will be on the nanoscale. In the current study, 10 μm copper films were prepared
by pulse electrodeposition with different applied pulse peak current densities and pulse on-times. It was found that the deposits microstructure was dependent on the parameters of pulse plating. Higher energy pulses caused stronger self-annealing effect on grain recrystallization and growth,
thus leading to enhanced fiber textures, while lower energy pulses gave rise to more random microstructure in the deposits and rougher surface topography. However in the extremes of pulse currents we applied, the twin densities were not as high as those resulted from the medium or relatively
high pulse currents. The highest amount of nanoscale twinning was found to form from a proper degree of self-annealing induced grain structure evolution. The driving force behind the self-annealing is discussed.
Magnetic Relaxation of γ-Fe2O3 Nanoparticles Arrangements and Electronic Phase-Segregated Systems
Authors: Hoppe C. E. , Rivadulla F. , Vidal-Vidal J. , López-Quintela M. A. , Rivas J.
Published: April 2020

γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles have been synthesized and dispersed in a polymeric matrix, forming a series of composites with different concentrations of magnetic particles. The effect of volume polydispersity and dipolar interactions on the relaxation behavior
is discussed. We have paid special attention to the dynamic approach to discuss a possible true superspin-glass transition in highly concentrated composites. To avoid the practical limitations that appear in highly concentrated systems of particles, like the formation of aggregates, etc.,
we have studied the glassy phase that appears spontaneously in certain strongly electronic correlated materials close to a metal-insulator transition. It must be emphasized that from a theoretical point of view these inhomogenous magnetic states could present important advantages over classical
dispersions of particles, like field-control of the effective particle size. The results are compared with other recently obtained for classical systems of particles.
Preparation of Boron Nitride Nanotubes Aqueous Dispersions for Biological Applications
Authors: Ciofani Gianni , Raffa Vittoria , Menciassi Arianna , Dario Paolo
Published: April 2020

While in the last years applications of carbon nanotubes in the field of biotechnology have been largely proposed, biomedical applications of boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) are yet totally unexplored. BNNTs have very interesting physical properties that should be exploited in the biomedical
field. At this date, studies on their biocompatibility are completely missing and the first issue behind this investigation is the dispersion of BNNTs in aqueous solutions. In this paper the authors propose, for the first time, a technique for obtaining BNNT stable dispersions suitable for
biological applications, based on polyethyleneimine (PEI) water solutions. Based on authors' knowledge, in vitro testing performed on human neuroblastoma cell line (SH-SY5Y) is the first study of interaction between BNNTs and living material. Experimental results showed a satisfactory
cell viability up to a concentration of 5.0 μg/ml PEI-BNNTs in the cell culture medium.
Tunability of Photoluminescence of InAs/GaAs Quantum Dots by Growth Pause Introduced Ripening
Authors: Halder N. , Chakrabarti S. , Stanley C. R.
Published: April 2020

The effect of dot ripening pause on self organized InAs/GaAs QD's grown by MBE at two different growth rates and the resulting tunability of emission properties were studied with the help of PL and AFM experiments. We found the evolution of larger coherent islands with dot-pause due
to high surface mobility of the In adatoms at the growth temperature resulting in a redshift in the PL spectra. A small blue shift in the emission is observed in case of the islands grown at higher growth rate and being allowed to ripen for sufficient time due to In desorption at high growth
temperature.
Molecular Dynamics Simulations of Deformation and Rupture of Super Carbon Nanotubes Under Tension
Authors: Qin Zhao , Feng Xi-Qiao , Zou Jian , Yin Yajun , Yu Shou-Wen
Published: April 2020

The mechanical properties of super carbon tubes, a recently developed network material made by conjoined single-walled carbon nanotubes, are studied via molecular dynamics simulations. It is found that such tubes have some unusual properties distinctly different from both individual
and bundled carbon nanotubes. The rupture strains of super carbon tubes can reach up to 31–47%, several times higher than that of single-walled carbon nanotubes. Their mechanical behavior is sensitively dependent on both the chiral vectors of the first- and the second-level structures,
as well as the inter-junction distance. The hierarchical structure plays a dominant role in the deformation and rupture behavior of super carbon tubes. Owing to their unique and superior properties, super carbon tubes might be used as novel materials with extremely low mass density, high strength
and high flexibility, which are of extensive interest in a broad range of technologically important applications.
Structural and Spectroscopic Characterization of ZrO2:Eu3+ Nanoparticles
Authors: Salas P. , Nava N. , Ángeles-Chavez C. , De la Rosa E. , Díaz-Torres L. A.
Published: April 2020

ZrO2:Eu3+ nanocrystals were prepared by the sol–gel technique. The structural and luminescence properties of europium doped zirconia with 0.5 to 2 mol% were studied by Mössbauer spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), High Resolution
Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM) and photoluminescence (PL) under UV excitation. Structural characterization shows a crystallite size between 16 to 55 nm and monoclinic and tetragonal zirconia phases as the main crystalline structure. XRD patterns shown that the content of the active
ions stabilizes the tetragonal structure of ZrO2 at 1000 °C, being 100% for 2 mol% Eu2O3 doped sample. Such results are in agreement with HRTEM and Raman spectroscopy. The Mössbauer spectra of the ZrO2:Eu3+ samples show a single
peak near zero velocity which is attributed to Eu+3. Luminescence characterization shows the typical emission band centered at 595 and 611 nm. Change in the structure of such band was observed and explained in terms of crystalline phase change. The dependence between the fluorescence
emission and the crystalline structure is discussed.
A New Look at the Variance of Summertime Temperatures over Land
Authors: Vargas Zeppetello Lucas R. , Battisti David S. , Baker Marcia B.
Published: April 2020

The increasing frequency of very high summertime temperatures has motivated growing interest in the processes determining the probability distribution of surface temperature over land. Here, we show that on monthly time scales, temperature anomalies can be modeled as linear responses to fluctuations in shortwave radiation and precipitation. Our model contains only three adjustable parameters, and, surprisingly, these can be taken as constant across the globe, notwithstanding large spatial variability in topography, vegetation, and hydrological processes. Using observations of shortwave radiation and precipitation from 2000 to 2017, the model accurately reproduces the observed pattern of temperature variance throughout the Northern Hemisphere midlatitudes. In addition, the variance in latent heat flux estimated by the model agrees well with the few long-term records that are available in the central United States. As an application of the model, we investigate the changes in the variance of monthly averaged surface temperature that might be expected due to anthropogenic climate change. We find that a climatic warming of 4°C causes a 10% increase in temperature variance in parts of North America.
Application of a Hybrid Fusion Classification Process for Identification of Microplastics Based on Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Chabuka Beauty K. , Kalivas John H.
Published: April 2020

Microplastic research is an emerging field. Consistent accurate identification of microplastic polymer composition is vital for understanding the effect of microplastic pollution in the environment. Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy is becoming commonplace for identifying microplastics. Conventional spectral identification is based on library searching, a process that utilizes a search algorithm against digital databases containing single spectra of pristine reference plastics. Several conditions on environmental microplastic particles such as weathering, additives, and residues cause spectral alterations relative to pristine reference library spectra. Thus, library searching is vulnerable to misidentification of microplastic samples. While a classification process (classifier) based on a collection of spectra can alleviate misidentification problems, optimization of each classifier (tuning parameter) is required. Additionally, erratic results relative to the particular optimized tuning parameter can occur when microplastic samples originate from new environmental or biological conditions than those defining the class. Presented in this study is a process that utilizes spectroscopic measurements in a hybrid fusion algorithm that depending on the user preference, simultaneously combines high-level fusion with low- and mid-level fusion based on an ensemble of non-optimized classifiers to assign microplastic samples into specific plastic categories (classes). The approach is demonstrated with 17 classifiers using FT-IR for binary classification of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) microplastic samples from environmental sources. Other microplastic types are evaluated for non-class PET and HDPE membership. Results show that high accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity are obtained thereby reducing the risk of misidentifying microplastics.
Virtuosités rituelles et souffrances spirituelles : De la compassion comme charisme chez les intervenants en soins spirituels au Québec
Authors: Mossière Géraldine
Published: April 2020

Nous examinons le rôle de nouveaux acteurs du religieux dans la constitution de subjectivités souffrantes séculières. À partir d’observations menées auprès d’intervenants en soins spirituels (ISS) au Québec, nous montrons que la virtuosité de ces nouveaux professionnels du soin s’appuie sur leur capacité à ritualiser le rapport à l’Autre dans un domaine qualifié de « spirituel », sacralisant ainsi l’expérience du sujet. Si les ISS partagent avec les aumôniers traditionnels, dont ils sont les héritiers, un charisme de fonction dont le fondement peut différer au gré de l’évolution du processus de sécularisation (institutions religieuses traditionnelles, État), ils s’en distinguent par un charisme spécifique (au sens de Weber) que nous qualifions de compassion. Après la rétrospective historique de l’émergence de la profession d’ISS au Québec, nous examinons les procédés et techniques qu’ils mobilisent afin de ritualiser la relation avec le patient dans un registre d’intimité propice à sacraliser la souffrance du sujet. Nous discutons ensuite l’aptitude à la compassion des ISS en la distinguant de l’attitude empathique et de la pratique du care, ainsi la légitimité de ces nouveaux virtuoses du religieux reposerait sur la reconnaissance de l’expression et de l’efficacité de leur charisme de compassion.
Saisir le « nouveau pluralisme religieux » : l’approche de Peter L. Berger
Authors: Nizigama Isaac
Published: April 2020

Peter L. Berger caractérise le pluralisme religieux moderne comme un « nouveau pluralisme religieux ». Celui-ci, typiquement moderne, se distingue des pluralismes prémodernes notamment par le processus appelé la « contamination cognitive » résultant d’une dialectique, également typiquement moderne, entre, d’une part, la pluralisation des groupes et des contenus religieux, et, de l’autre, l’incertitude et l’itinérance psychologico-spirituelle.

Cet article entend analyser, de manière systématique, la conception de ce « nouveau pluralisme religieux » selon Peter L. Berger (1929–2017) à travers ses textes les plus connus publiés de 1960 à 2011. En commençant par la définition de ce concept en comparaison avec celle des concepts de « pluralité » et de « pluralisation », et en opposition avec les formes prémodernes de ce phénomène, nous identifions et analysons quatre traits principaux de ce dernier et montrons la manière dont l’œuvre sociologique et théologique de Berger, lue à travers ces textes, est unifiée par sa théorie du pluralisme religieux moderne. Enfin, nous présentons, à tire indicatif pour le débat académique, des idées pertinentes de quelques auteurs qui ont critiqué ou soutenu les thèses développées par Peter L. Berger sur le pluralisme religieux moderne.
Éthique particulière et éthique collective : l’exemption, la nécessaire conciliation du bien commun et de l’autonomie individuelle
Authors: Proeschel Claude
Published: April 2020

L’existence de valeurs publiques, et donc d’une morale publique, est une caractéristique intrinsèque du politique démocratique, y compris quand celles-ci sont « les valeurs minimales de la démocratie libérale » (Weinstock, « L’actualité du bien commun », 2004). Pour autant, cette éthique collective doit se conformer à l’exigence de neutralité, qui, dans une société démocratique pluraliste, s’exprime à la fois en termes d’intention et de justification. Comment alors, si ces conditions sont respectées, légitimer l’octroi d’exemptions, la reconnaissance d’éthiques individuelles en désaccord avec cette éthique collective ? A partir de notre terrain d’études, centré sur l’usage contemporain de l’objection au sein de croisades morales, examinée ici à l’aune d’autres formes d’objection, nous explorerons l’idée selon laquelle celles-ci ne peuvent faire l’objet que d’un usage restreint. Elles s’insèrent en effet dans une dynamique d’intersubjectivité citoyenne, qui pourrait aboutir, le cas échéant, à des conséquences tant individuelles (transfert de charges) que collectives, allant jusqu’à la mise en cause du cadre même de possibilité des autonomies individuelles. L’exemption ainsi, ne se justifie que si elle permet la conciliation de la démocratie et de l’État de droit.
Soutenir le développement du pouvoir d’agir : une composante essentielle des soins spirituels au Québec
Authors: Cherblanc Jacques , Jobin Guy
Published: April 2020

Depuis le début des années 1970, l’accompagnement spirituel en contexte de soins de santé québécois vit de profondes transformations. Celles-ci visent à adapter ce service à la sécularisation progressive de la clientèle desservie et des institutions sanitaires elles-mêmes. C’est pour comprendre ces transformations que nous avons réalisé une recherche qualitative inductive de 2011 à 2016 auprès de 23 intervenant-e-s en soins spirituels (ISS) aux profils variés ; ceux-ci ont réalisé des récits de pratiques qu’ils considéraient spécifiquement spirituelles. Dans cet article, nous désirons montrer que les ISS du Québec développent actuellement une pratique particulière qui vise à les distinguer des autres intervenants. Au terme d’une analyse de contenu validée par un grand nombre d’ISS, il apparaît que la spécificité des pratiques d’interventions spirituelles est ainsi caractérisée par l’accompagnement du développement du pouvoir d’agir ( empowerment) chez la personne. Nous présentons les différentes caractéristiques de cet accompagnement et proposons quelques pistes de réflexion sur l’avenir de ces intervenants.
Returning to their roots: Examining the reintegration experiences of returned Indigenous migrant youth in Guatemala
Authors: Miller Scarnato Jenn
Published: April 2020

This article examines the reintegration experiences of Indigenous migrant youth returned to Guatemala from the United States and Mexico, thereby filling a gap in extant literature. This qualitative study employed a critical ethnographic approach with reflexive thematic analysis of fieldwork and interviews with social service providers working with this population through the lens of Critical Latinx Indigeneities. Four major themes emerged: identity negotiation (sub-themes being Indigenous identities and returned migrant identities), trauma and its consequences, institutional and internalized oppression, and decolonization. Implications for social work emphasize the importance of Indigenous and decolonizing approaches to social work.
Porphyromonas gingivalis Promotes Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Progression in an Immune Microenvironment
Authors: Wen L. , Mu W. , Lu H. , Wang X. , Fang J. , Jia Y. , Li Q. , Wang D. , Wen S. , Guo J. , Dai W. , Ren X. , Cui J. , Zeng G. , Gao J. , Wang Z. , Cheng B.
Published: April 2020

Increasing evidence has revealed a significant association between microorganisms and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Porphyromonas gingivalis, the keystone pathogen in chronic periodontitis, is considered an important potential etiologic agent of OSCC, but the underlying immune mechanisms through which P. gingivalis mediates tumor progression of the oral cancer remain poorly understood. Our cohort study showed that the localization of P. gingivalis in tumor tissues was related to poor survival of patients with OSCC. Moreover, P. gingivalis infection increased oral lesion multiplicity and size and promoted tumor progression in a 4-nitroquinoline-1 oxide (4NQO)–induced carcinogenesis mouse model by invading the oral lesions. In addition, CD11b+ myeloid cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) showed increased infiltration of oral lesions. Furthermore, in vitro observations showed that MDSCs accumulated when human-derived dysplastic oral keratinocytes (DOKs) were exposed to P. gingivalis, and CXCL2, CCL2, interleukin (IL)–6, and IL-8 may be potential candidate genes that facilitate the recruitment of MDSCs. Taken together, our findings suggest that P. gingivalis promotes tumor progression by generating a cancer-promoting microenvironment, indicating a close relationship among P. gingivalis, tumor progression of the oral cancer, and immune responses.
HIF-1α Stabilization Enhances Angio-/Vasculogenic Properties of SHED
Authors: Han Y. , Gong T. , Zhang C. , Dissanayaka W.L.
Published: April 2020

The outcome of regenerative procedures could be augmented by enhancing the biological performances of stem cells prior to their transplantation. The current study aimed to investigate whether hypoxic preconditioning through stabilization of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) could enhance the angio-/vasculogenic properties of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED). HIF-1α expression in SHED under normoxia was stabilized by silencing the expression of prolyl hydroxylase domain–containing protein 2 (PHD2) via lentiviral small hairpin RNA. This in turn significantly increased the expression of an angiogenic factor: vascular endothelial growth factor. Conditioned medium of HIF-1α-stabilized SHED increased the migration and proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), indicating enhanced paracrine signaling of SHED following PHD2 knockdown ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, the coculture of HIF-1α-stabilized SHED with HUVECs directly and in fibrin beads demonstrated significantly longer vascular sprouts through juxtacrine and paracrine effects ( P < 0.05). When HIF-1α-stabilized SHED were added to a preformed HUVEC vascular tube network on Matrigel, it not only stabilized the vessels, as shown by the increased thickness ( P < 0.05) and junctional area ( P < 0.01) of tubes, but also gave rise to new sprouting ( P < 0.01). This observation, with the morphologic changes and increased CD31 expression, suggested that HIF-1α stabilization enhanced the endothelial differentiation capacity of SHED through autocrine signaling. In vivo Matrigel plug assay demonstrated that HIF-1α-stabilized SHED alone could give rise to a vasculature that was significantly higher than that of control SHED ± HUVECs and similar to that of HIF-1α-stabilized SHED + HUVECs. In addition to vasculogenesis by endothelial differentiation, HIF-1α-stabilized SHED recruited host blood vessels into the implant by exerting a significant paracrine effect. Taken together, our results confirmed that HIF-1α-stabilized SHED could replace the function of HUVECs and act as the sole cell source of vascularization. Thus, targeting PHD2 to stabilize HIF-1α expression is an appealing strategy that enables the use of a single cell source for achieving vascularized tissue regeneration.
Transcribing: A Tool for Mathematics Pre-Service Teachers to Reflect on Their Own Teaching
Authors: Harding Jenni , Hbaci Ilham , Hamilton Boni , Loyd Stacy
Published: April 2020

This research explores the experience of 81 elementary pre-service teachers who transcribed their microteaching lessons during a university mathematical methods course. Pre-service teachers were required to plan and teach mathematics lessons. They audio-recorded their teaching, transcribed the recordings, wrote guided reflections, and conversed with the professor to identify areas of strength and growth in their teaching. The following themes were identified: transcription as noticing events, transcription as noticing presentation, benefits of transcription, transcription as a reflective practice, and audio-recording and transcription recommendations. Transcriptions may be effective tools for reflecting about teaching.
Persistent Complex Bereavement Disorder Symptoms Predict Grief Interview Emotions
Authors: Lee Sherman A. , Jobe Mary C. , Mathis Amanda A. , Gibbons Jeffrey A.
Published: April 2020

This study examined persistent complex bereavement disorder (PCBD) symptoms’ ability to predict emotional reactions of 69 bereaved adults who participated in grief interviews. The results supported the predictive validity of PCBD symptoms for both self-report and behavioral observation measures of sadness but with only one behavioral measure of happiness. Furthermore, PCBD symptoms uniquely predicted sadness in all but one measure of that emotion while accounting for symptoms of depression, posttraumatic stress, and separation anxiety. Because interviews are the primary method of psychological evaluation for clinicians, these findings collectively support the validity of the PCBD construct.
When Politics Trumps Economics: Contrasting High-Skilled Immigration Policymaking in Germany and Austria
Authors: Kolbe Melanie
Published: April 2020

High-skilled immigration (HSI) policy has become of increasing interest among immigrant destination countries, but success in establishing liberal policies has varied considerably across countries. Focusing on two reluctant immigration states, Germany and Austria, this article explains why HSI policy reforms in these two countries have led to starkly diverging outcomes. Whereas previous studies have concentrated on the politics of organized labor market actors and the market-institutional context in which they are embedded, this article contends that variation in HSI policy liberalization also reflects increasing politicization through issue linkage to adjacent immigration domains, in this case, immigrant integration policy. The findings challenge the predominant interest-group–centric work on HSI and show how arguments for and against liberalization can traverse immigration policy domains.
Associations between health-related quality of life, body mass index, health status and sociodemographic variables in geriatric patients and non-hospitalized older people: A comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Lærum-Onsager Ellisiv , Brovold Therese , Bergland Astrid , Pripp Are H , Bye Asta
Published: April 2020

Background:

Data on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in geriatric patients and non-hospitalized older people are lacking, and the associations among HRQoL, body mass index (BMI) and health status are not sufficiently investigated in these groups.

Aim:

This study aims to describe and compare HRQoL in a sample of geriatric patients and non-hospitalized people >70 years. It further aims to investigate the associations between HRQoL, BMI, health status and sociodemographic variables in geriatric patients and non-hospitalized people >70 years.

Methods:

This cross-sectional study included 107 geriatric patients and 328 non-hospitalized older people. HRQoL was measured with the 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) and BMI was divided into three classes: underweight (<22 kg/m2), normal weight (22–27 kg/m2) and overweight (>27 kg/m2).

Results:

All SF-36 scores were lower for the geriatric patients than for the non-hospitalized people ( p < .001). Underweight (BMI <22 kg/m2) was registered for 43.9% of the geriatric patients and for 13.7% of the non-hospitalized people. No significant associations were found between the SF-36 subscale scores and underweight, but overweight was associated with lower scores on physical functioning ( B: –8.7) and vitality ( B: –6.8) compared to those with normal BMI ( p < .05). The participants with rheumatic diseases, pulmonary diseases, hypertension and digestive diseases had significantly lower scores on most SF-36 scales reflecting physical health.

Conclusion:

HRQoL is substantially lower in geriatric patients than in non-hospitalized older people. The negative effects of both overweight and morbidity on HRQoL indicate that it is important to monitor weight and disease symptoms to promote HRQoL in older people, whether hospitalized or non-hospitalized.
Macromarketing the Time is Now
Authors: Wooliscroft Ben
Published: April 2020

The Macromarketing Society Inc. is in the strongest position it has been in history, with record numbers attending the conference. At the same time, and for the first time, the conference may not be held this year. This commentary focuses on the position of the Society, plans for the future, the Journal and the structural issues impacting on holding the conference this year.
Quantitative brain histogram of canine epilepsy using magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Huaijantug Somkiat , Yatmark Paranee , Chinnabrut Phanupong , Rueangsawat Nutruja , Wongkumlue Avirut , Teerapan Wuttiwong , Chatchaisak Duangthip
Published: April 2020

Background

Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to study the anatomy of the brain in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy.

Purpose

To quantitate MRI images in terms of volumetric ratios and histogram analyses of the following regions of interest (ROI) in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy: frontal; parietal; temporal; piriform; thalamic; and hippocampal regions.

Material and Methods

Nine dogs with epilepsy and four healthy controls were evaluated. We examined the volumetric ratios and histogram analyses of six ROIs in all dogs.

Results

MR images, in T1-weighted, T2-weighted, FLAIR, diffusion-weighted imaging, and apparent diffusion coefficient sequences detected changes in 4/9 (44%) epileptic dogs found in 5/6 regions: frontal; parietal; temporal; piriform; and hippocampal regions. However, no such changes were observed in the thalamic region. Interestingly, the frontal and piriform volumetric ratios of epileptic dogs were significantly lower than those of control dogs. The histogram analyses in 4/6 regions were significantly increased in epileptic dogs.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated MRI finding abnormalities in several regions of the brain in several sequences including T1-weighted, T2-weighted, FLAIR, diffusion-weighted imaging, and apparent diffusion coefficient in epileptic dogs. In several regions of the brain, atrophy may exist, and hyperintensity may be present on MR images in epileptic dogs. These findings suggest that the diagnostic yield of MRI, which is an advanced neuroimaging technique, is high in epileptic dogs and has good reliability and sensitivity in detecting abnormal areas in patients.
Jianpi Huatan Tongfu granule alleviates inflammation and improves intestinal flora in patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Yong Wenxing , Zhang Liying , Chen Yuexuan , Li Juan , Liu Yongqi , Zhang Zhiming
Published: April 2020

Objectives

To investigate the clinical efficacy and mechanism of Jianpi Huatan Tongfu granule in treating acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).

Methods

Sixty patients with AECOPD were enrolled in either of two groups: integrative treatment (Western medicine combined with Jianpi Huatan Tongfu granule) (n = 30) and Western medical treatment (n = 30). Thirty healthy individuals were included in the control group.

Results

Compared with healthy participants, patients with AECOPD had elevated clinical symptom and dyspnea severity scores. Patients with AECOPD had worsened lung function, compared with healthy participants. The therapeutic efficacy for integrative treatment was superior to Western medical treatment. Inflammatory proteins and cytokines were significantly elevated in patients with AECOPD, including C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, interleukin-8, and tumor necrosis factor-α; these were alleviated by both treatments, with more obvious effects for integrative treatment. Integrative treatment significantly changed the intestinal flora in patients with AECOPD, reaching levels comparable with those of healthy participants. Firmicutes abundance was significantly higher in healthy participants, whereas Bacteroidetes abundance was significantly higher in patients with AECOPD. After treatment, Verrucomicrobia abundance was significantly reduced in patients with AECOPD.

Conclusion

Jianpi Huatan Tongfu granule could alleviate inflammatory responses and improve clinical therapeutic efficacy in patients with AECOPD.
Divergence between Performance in the Field and Laboratory Test Results for Alkali-Silica Reaction
Authors: Tanesi Jussara , Drimalas Thano , Chopperla Krishna Siva Teja , Beyene Mengesha , Ideker Jason H. , Kim Haejin , Montanari Luca , Ardani Ahmad
Published: April 2020

The most common test methods used to evaluate alkali-silica reaction (ASR) are the concrete prism test (CPT) and the accelerated mortar bar test (AMBT). However, these tests were not found to be entirely reliable in predicting the performance of concrete under field conditions, especially when supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are used. Recently, two new test methods, the miniature concrete prism test (MCPT) and the concrete cylinder test (CCT), have been proposed but still need to be benchmarked with results from outdoor exposed blocks. In this paper, the results from the MCPT, CCT, CPT and exposed blocks are compared and their ability to properly evaluate the expected behavior of these mixtures in service with regard to ASR is discussed. Here, the results of mixtures made with four reactive aggregates: Spratt, Placitas (coarse aggregates), Wright, and Jobe (fine aggregates) and SCMs (fly ashes Classes F or C, slag cement, or silica fume) at different levels of cement replacement or lithium nitrate are presented. For these mixtures, only the MCPT was capable of properly classifying the efficiency of the ASR preventive measures, as compared with the long-term results obtained from the exposed blocks.
Comparison of Support Vector and Non-Linear Regression Models for Estimating Large-Scale Vehicular Emissions, Incorporating Network-Wide Fundamental Diagram for Heterogeneous Vehicles
Authors: Saedi Ramin , Verma Rajat , Zockaie Ali , Ghamami Mehrnaz , Gates Timothy J.
Published: April 2020

Estimation of vehicular emissions at network level is a prominent issue in transportation planning and management of urban areas. For large networks, macroscopic emission models are preferred because of their simplicity. However, these models do not consider traffic flow dynamics that significantly affect emissions production. This study proposes a network-level emission modeling framework based on the network-wide fundamental diagram (NFD), via integrating the NFD properties with an existing microscopic emission model. The NFD and microscopic emission models are estimated using microscopic and mesoscopic traffic simulation tools at different scales for various traffic compositions. The major contribution is to consider heterogeneous vehicle types with different emission generation rates in a network-level model. This framework is applied to the large-scale network of Chicago as well as its central business district. Non-linear and support vector regression models are developed using simulated trajectory data of 13 simulated scenarios. The results show a satisfactory calibration and successful validation with acceptable deviations from the underlying microscopic emissions model regardless of the simulation tool that is used to calibrate the network-level emissions model. The microscopic traffic simulation is appropriate for smaller networks, while mesoscopic traffic simulation is a proper means to calibrate models for larger networks. The proposed model is also used to demonstrate the relationship between macroscopic emissions and flow characteristics in the form of a network emissions diagram. The results of this study provide a tool for planners to analyze vehicular emissions in real time and find optimal policies to control the level of emissions in large cities.
Potential Use of NASA’s Soil Moisture Active Passive Freeze–Thaw Tool to Assist in Minnesota Seasonal Load Restriction Timing
Authors: Kraatz Simon , Miller Heather J. , Poirier Benjamin J , Moradi Mahsa , Jacobs Jennifer M.
Published: April 2020

The U.S. encompasses over 4 million roadway miles, with about half of them located in seasonal frost areas. Roads are especially susceptible to damage when the subsurface is saturated with water (i.e., spring thaw). Spring load restrictions (SLR) are important for maintaining the integrity of roads. Routine determinations of road freeze–thaw (FT) state are limited to vertically embedded temperature data probes (TDP). Although TDPs are valuable to departments of transportation for determining SLRs, TDPs only represent individual points within the road network and are costly to install and maintain. Recent updates to spaceborne technology and algorithms made physically based retrievals of FT conditions possible at improved accuracy and temporal resolution (every 3 days) and have potential use for assisting with SLRs. Although instruments such as NASA’s Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP) platform cannot resolve individual roads, past comparisons have shown good correspondence with TDPs. The main objective of this study is to provide information on the potential value of NASA’s SMAP FT tool to supplement other methods for making seasonal load restriction decisions. Results are compared against data and protocols by the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) at 10 sites in Minnesota, over four winter seasons (2016–2019). Results show that even when a simple criterion is used—the date of the third consecutive thaw from the SMAP afternoon retrieval—those dates typically fell within a week of MnDOT road postings (61% of the time). In addition, SMAP FT typically matches TDP FT states throughout the year (79% of the time).