bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study on the Thermal Stability of Expanded Graphite/Stearic Acid Composite Phase Change Materials
Authors: Li Yun Tao , Yan Hua , Zhao Si Xie
Published: January 2017

The expanded graphite/stearic acid composite phase change materials were prepared with stearic acid as phase change materials and expanded graphite as the carrier by the adsorption and encapsulation of expanded graphite. The thermal stability of composite phase change materials were analyzed by TG, XRD and SEM. Results showed that expanded graphite has reticular structure to encapsulate the stearic acid, improving its stability of thermal decomposition, thermal cycle and thermal chemical. When the content of expanded graphite is 10wt. %, the composite phase change materials exhibit good thermal stability, and can meet the requirements of temperature control under different conditions.
Characterization of MoO3 Solution Prepared Using Bath Deposition
Authors: Xue Zhi Yong , Xu Ping , Gu Ling Yun , Ren Yu
Published: January 2017

MoO3 film is successfully prepared by water bath heating method. The existence of Mo element in the MoO3 solution is determined by infrared test. The characteristic peak of Mo element roughly appears within the range from 500 cm–1 to 700 cm–1.Then the MoO3 peak is found appearing at the location of the 30°–40° using XRD, which proves the existence of MoO3 in the solution. SEM observations indicate that the MoO3 film is smooth as the reaction continues for 4 h. Finally, the results of light absorption test show that MoO3 film has a good absorbency.
Corrosion Inhibition on Mild Steel Using PFOA Additives
Authors: Jiang Wen Long , Zhou Wei , Ying Ji Fei , Shen Kong Chao , Gao Xing Yu , Guo Fu Qiang , Gao Yan Ming , Yang Tie Ying
Published: January 2017

In this paper, the anticorrosive properties of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) on Q235 mild steel corrosion were estimated in simulated seawater. XRD and EDS results showed that PFOA could penetrate the rust layer and adsorb on the surface of steel and destroy rust layer. Our polarization measurements revealed that PFOA is a useful inhibitor, with a more pronounced anode effect, while impedance results also indicated successful adsorption of the PFOA species on the steel surface. Laser confocal scanning microscope studies give the evidence that corrosion resistance of the treated samples improved compared to the untreated samples. Molecular simulation technique was used to confirm the ability of PFOA to decrease corrosion. The 150 g/L concentration of PFOA showed the most significant improvement in the anticorrosive property.
Effects of Charge Compensators on Structure and Luminescent Properties of Microwave Synthesized CaMoO4:Eu3+ Red Phosphors
Authors: Han Ying , Li Zhi Lin , Zhang Wan , Yin Yan Jie , Li Yan Mei , Wang Li Li , Zhai Yong Qing
Published: January 2017

Red phosphors CaMoO4:Eu3+ were synthesized by microwave method with MnO2 as microwave absorbent. The phase structure and luminescent properties of the as-synthesized phosphors were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction and Fluorescence spectrophotometer. The results show that when the reaction time was 40 min, microwave power was medium-high fire (~560 W), we got the tetragonal CaMoO4:Eu3+ pure phase. The excitation spectrum of CaMoO4:Eu3+ was composed by a broad band between 200 nm and 350 nm and a series of peaks from 350 nm to 500 nm. The main peak was at 305 nm. The emission spectrum was composed of a series of peaks in the range of 550~750 nm and the main peak was at 617 nm due to the 5D0→7F2 transition of Eu3+. Doping charge compensator Li+, Na+ or K+ could improve the luminous intensity of the sample. When the doping amount of Li+, Na+ or K+ were 8 mol%, the luminous intensity of the sample reached the maximum. The intensity of the emission peak at 617 nm was 4.04, 3.42, 3.48 times of sample without doping charge compensator.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Luminescence Property on Cabazoly-Based Zinc Metal Organic Frameworks
Authors: Zhang Ying Jie , Sun Li Xian , Xu Fen
Published: January 2017

A novel zinc metal organic frameworks, named ZnL(2,2′-bpy), has been successfully synthesized, serving 3,6-dicarboxylic-9-ethylcarbazole acid (H2L) as ligand. This kind of ZnMOFs was characterized by FI-IR, elemental analysis, SEM, powder X-ray diffraction and single crystal X-ray diffraction to illustrate the structures. TG analysis was applied to investigate the thermostability. Structural analysis demonstrates that ZnMOFs possess triclinic crystal structure which is a 1D chain that occurs distorted-octahedral coordination geometry. Furthermore, the luminescent performance of ZnMOFs is performed and discussed in detail. The results show that ZnMOFs can emit blue luminescence originating, which is assigned to the ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT).
Synthesis of MoSe2-MoO2@Biomass-Derived Honeycombed Carbon Composite and its Application in LIB
Authors: Tian Ning , Qin Ai Miao , Liao Lei , Zhang Kai You , Wang Mei Ping
Published: January 2017

MoSe2-MoO2@ honeycombed carbon composites have been obtained, in which the honeycombed carbon derived from sisal fiber services as a conductive matrix. The detailed preparation process is reported in this paper. The prepared composites are characterized by XRD, Raman, EDX, SEM and XPS analysis. It is obtained that the hybrid MoO2-MoSe2 with nanoparticle and hierarchical flower-like structures are coating on the surface of sisal fiber carbon (SFC). The electrochemical behavior of the lithium ion battery using MoO2-MoSe2@SFC as electrode has been studied. The electrode exhibits a retention capacity of 494 mAh/g at the current density of 50 mA/g over 30 cycles, while a capacity of 258 mAh/g is obtained at the current density of 1 A/g. The roles of the MoO2 and MoSe2 in electrochemical behavior are discussed respectively.
Effect of Tin Additions on the Anti-Tarnish Properties of Sterling Silver Alloy
Authors: Xiang Xiong Zhi , Cheng Miao , Gong Wen Ya
Published: January 2017

Sterling alloy is widely used in the jewelry industry. Its anti-tarnish property is one of its most important characteristics. In this study, the effect of tin on the corrosion resistance, and tarnish resistance properties of sterling silver alloy were investigated quantized. The difference between anti-corrosion and anti-tarnish properties was investigated in this paper. The tarnish and corrosion resistance of sterling silver improved as tin content increased. However, there was a point at which increasing tin content further led to poor anti-tarnish properties, even though the alloy retained considerable anti-corrosive properties.
Fine Tungsten Powder Obtained with Blue Tungsten Oxide through the Hydrogen Reduction
Authors: Fu Xiao Ming
Published: January 2017

Fine tungsten powder is prepared with blue tungsten oxide (BTO) through the hydrogen reduction. The samples were characterized with the scanning electron microscope (SEM), fisher sub-sieve sizer (FSSS) and the particulate size description analyzer (PSDA). Fine tungsten powder is easily obtained when the reduction temperature is low. With the increasement of the reduction temperature, the grain size of tungsten powder becomes coarse. The increase of the weight of BTO in the ceramic boat leads to the increasement of the thickness of its bed. Therefore, the weight of BTO in the ceramic boat ought to reduce if fine tungsten powder is prepared. Fine tungsten powder can be obtained when the hydrogen flow increases.
A Comparison of Different Ways of Mixing the Lithium Salt on the Electrochemical Properties for Li[Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2 Materials
Authors: Luo Min , Zhang Ran , Wang Meng , Chen Yun Bo , Chu Mo
Published: January 2017

Li-rich layered cathode materials Li [Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2 with spherical morphology were synthesized via a co-precipitation method by different ways of mixing the lithium salt. The cathode materials were characterized by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that Li [Li0.2Mn0.54Ni0.13Co0.13]O2 with a well-ordered layered structure consists of small primary particles ranging from 180 to 370 nm. By comparation, the primary particles of T2 (mixing with Li2CO3 after preheating carbonate precursor) is smaller. Electrochemical measurements have also been employed, including charge-discharge, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and electrochemical impedance spectra (EIS). It is demonstrated that T2 exhibits significant improvements on the electrochemical performance, especially the rate capability. The discharge capacity is 211 mAh g−1 at 1C for T2 electrode, and still maintains an discharge capacity of 158.8mAh g−1 at 4C. It is believed that the remarkably enhanced rate capability might be ascribed to mixing with Li2CO3 after preheating by changing the way of mixing with Li2CO3.
Preparation of Co-Ni Mixed Oxide/Graphene Composite and its Electrochemical Performances as Supercapacitor Material
Authors: Zhou Yun Long , Zhao Chen Hao , Hu Zhi Biao , Huang Xue Yan , Liu Kai Yu , Lang Xiao Lin
Published: January 2017

The Co-Ni mixed oxides/graphene composite has been prepared using the solution based oxidation route. The structures of bare Co-Ni mixed oxides and Co-Ni mixed oxides/graphene composite is clearly studied by X-ray diffraction. The electrochemical properties of Co-Ni mixed oxides/graphene composite are investigated by Cyclic Voltammetry (CV) and galvanostatic charge discharge test. The result shows that, the NiO phase has not been detected in the composite, and the graphene composite delivers a discharge capacity of 353.6 F/g at a current density of 0.32 A g-1.
Effect of Mixing Ratio and Doping Acid on the Photocatalytic Properties of PANI-BiVO4 Composites
Authors: Li Bin , Wang Xin Yi , Yang Xiao Gang
Published: January 2017

BiVO4 photocatalyst prepared by hydrothermal method was mixed with polyaniline (PANI). The phase structure, morphology and optical properties of PANI-BiVO4 photocatalysts were analyzed through X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The results showed that the optimal preparation conditions of composite photocatalyst were 0.5wt.% PANI mixing ratio and H3PO4 as doping acid. The photocatalysis degradation rate is the highest. This new heterogeneous structure photocatalyst is expected to show considerably potential applications in solar-driven environmental pollution cleanup.
Radio Frequency (RF) Magnetron Sputtered Barium Strontium Titanate (BST) Thin Film
Authors: Li Juan , Zhang Cong Chun , Wang Yan Lei , Gao Yang , Zhao Xiao Lin
Published: January 2017

Barium strontium titanate (BST) thin films with excellent dielectric properties are deposited by on-axis RF magnetron sputtering system. The effects of composition of the target and oxygen partial pressure on the microstructure of BST thin film have been investigated. The dielectric properties of the thin films are investigated. The results show that composition of BST thin film deposited with pure argon ambient by the target with 30atm% excess of Ba and Sr is stoichiometric. Perovskite phase can be observed in the thin film annealed in oxygen at 750 °C for 30 min. A metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitor is fabricated by microfabrication technique. The capacitance value at 2 GHz is 0.417 pF and 1.42 pF for 50 nm and 90 nm BST thin film respectively, and the leakage current density is 6×10-6 A/cm2 and 5.35×10-8 A/cm2 respectively.
A New Permeability Model for ECBM and Carbon Dioxide Sequestration Based on Matchsticks Geometry
Authors: Li Jun Tao
Published: January 2017

In the paper a new permeability model based on matchstick model accounting for stress change and matrix shrinkage and swelling caused by gas mixture (CH4 and CO2) is proposed. Finally, a history matching exercise is carried out using field data and experimental data and several models are compared to determine the accuracy of the new model. The modeling results show that the new model can fit the experimental results well. With the exchange of CH4 on coal matrix with CO2, the coal matrix tends to swell and the coal permeability will decrease. So the fracture pressure has better to be high enough to guarantee the easy flow of gases in coal seam. Only when we know the coal permeability change during CO2 injection, can we have better knowledge about the ECBM performance and CO2 sequestration feasibility for a certain coal seam.
Welding of IN792 DS Superalloy by High Energy Density Techniques
Authors: Angella Giuliano , Barbieri Giuseppe , Donnini Riccardo , Montanari Roberto , Varone Alessandra
Published: January 2017

Laser (LBW) and Electron Beam (EBW) welding have been used to produce seams on 2 mm thick plates of directionally solidified (DS) IN792 superalloy. For each welding technique a grid of samples were prepared by varying the pass speed (v) and keeping constant the other process parameters. The experiments were carried out at room temperature and with pre-heating (PHT) at 200 °C and 300 °C to find the best process conditions. The microstructural changes in molten zone (MZ) and heat affected zone (HAZ) were investigated finding that EBW guarantee a better quality and efficiency of the process without any macro defects. About the microstructure, the amount of ordered γ’ phase in the MZ is similar (≈ 25 %) for both welding techniques and quite lower than the value (70 %) of the original alloy.
Physical Phenomena Leading to Melting of Metals
Authors: Montanari Roberto , Varone Alessandra
Published: January 2017

Precursor phenomena of melting in pure metals and alloys have been investigated by means of Mechanical Spectroscopy (MS) and High Temperature X-ray Diffraction (HT-XRD). The examined materials were the pure metals In, Sn, Pb and Bi, and some alloys of the systems In-Sn and Pb-Bi with different compositions.MS tests have been carried out by means of a novel method developed by us that permits to operate in resonance conditions and employs hollow reeds of stainless steel containing the liquid metal. In all the metals a sharp drop of dynamic modulus and a Q-1 maximum were observed in a temperature range ΔT before melting that depends on the specific metal and its structure. Such anelastic behaviour is consistent with an increase of the interstitialcies concentration as predicted by the Granato’s theory.Moreover, HT-XRD evidenced that sudden grain re-orientation, shift and broadening of diffraction peaks occur just before the formation of the first liquid, therefore self-interstitials and vacancies seem to play a synergic role in melting. The increase of self-interstitials over ΔT has the effect of weakening interatomic bonds that favours the successive vacancy avalanche leading to the collapse of crystal lattice (melting).
Temperature Dependent Phenomena in Liquid LBE Alloy
Authors: Amati Matteo , Balijepalli Santosh Kiran , Mezzi Alessio , Kaciulis Saulius , Montanari Roberto , Varone Alessandra
Published: January 2017

The liquid lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) alloy is of great interest for applications in future nuclear reactors. The structure and clustering of alloying elements have been investigated on an extended range of temperature (125-720 °C) by high temperature X-ray diffraction (HT-XRD), XPS and scanning photoemission microscopy (SPEM) at the ELETTRA synchrotron in Trieste. After melting the short-range order in liquid metal corresponds to a cuboctahedral arrangement of atoms that progressively evolves towards an icosahedral one as temperature increases. Such process, which is completed around 720 °C, is accompanied by a micro-chemical re-arrangement of atoms with changes of cluster size and composition. At high temperature the atom distribution results to be more homogeneous and the average size of clusters noticeably smaller.
Influence of ZnO and Pt Nanoparticles on Cucumber Yielding Capacity and Fruit Quality
Authors: Astafurova Tatiana P. , Burenina Anastasia A. , Suchkova Svetlana A. , Zotikova Al'bina P. , Kulizhskiy Sergey P. , Morgalev Yuri N.
Published: January 2017

The influence of ZnO and Pt nanoparticles’ suspensions (5 mg/kg of soil) on the yielding capacity and fruit quality of Cucumissativus L. was studied. We found out that the soil amended with ZnO nanoparticle suspension enhanced cucumber yielding capacity by 36 %, and the fruits had more carotene, zinc and iron compared to the control. The soil amended with Pt nanoparticles did not influence cucumber yielding capacity, and the fruits contained more carotene and zinc. ICP-MS results showed that nanoparticles’ influence at the concentration under study did not result in accumulation of ZnO and Pt nanoparticles in fruits.
Long-Term Creep and Impact Strength of Biocompatible 3D-Printed PLA-Based Scaffolds
Authors: Niaza Kirill V. , Senatov Fedor S. , Stepashkin Andrey , Anisimova Natalia Yu. , Kiselevsky Mikhail V.
Published: January 2017

In the present work porous scaffolds for trabecular bone defects replacement were studied. PLA and PLA/HA сomposites were obtained by extrusion. Scaffolds were obtained by 3D-printing by fused filament fabrication method. Long-term creep and Charpy impact tests show that PLA/HA scaffolds with the maximum force for destruction at impact of 119 N can function under a load of up to 10 MPa without shape changing and loss of mechanical properties. In vivo tests were used to investigate biocompatibility of scaffolds. The scaffolds may be used as implants for unloaded small bone defects replacement
Ce1-хGdхOy Nanoparticles Stimulate Proliferation of Dental Pulp Stem Cells In Vitro
Authors: Popov Anton L. , Tatarnikova Olga G. , Popova Nelly R. , Selezneva Irina I. , Akkizov Azamat Y. , Ermakov Artem M. , Ivanova Olga S. , Ivanov Vladimir K.
Published: January 2017

One of the main reasons for limiting the widespread clinical use of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a low speed of their proliferation in vitro. In this regard, the search for new safe and effective growth stimulants is an urgent task. In this study, we investigated the effect of nanocrystalline cerium oxide doped with gadolinium (Ce1-х Gdх Oy), on the morphofunctional characteristics and proliferative activity of MSCs derived from dental pulp. It was shown that the introduction of Ce1-х Gdх Oy nanoparticles into the culture of dental MSCs provides the activation of proliferation of the cells in a dose-dependent manner. High concentrations of Ce1-х Gdх Oy nanoparticles inhibit the proliferation of the cells; however, this does not lead to further development of apoptosis and cell death. The obtained results indicate that the nanocrystalline cerium oxide can be considered as a basis for the development of highly efficient and low-cost supplements for culturing MSCs.
Kinetic Study on Pb(II) Adsorption from Aqueous Solutions on Carbon Materials
Authors: Kucherova Anastasiya E. , Romantsova Irina V. , Burakov Alexandr E. , Babkin Alexandr V. , Neskoromnaya Elena A. , Krasnyansky Mikhail N.
Published: January 2017

The adsorption of lead ions (Pb (II)) ions from aqueous solutions was studied. Different types of carbon materials, such as high-porous carbon, BAU-A activated carbon, multi-walled carbon nanotubes (pristine and oxidized), were used as adsorbents. To describe kinetic dependences for the Pb (II) extraction from aqueous solutions with those materials, the following models were implemented: pseudo-first-and pseudo-second-order, intraparticle diffusion, and Elovich. The adequacy of applying the pseudo-second-order equation was presented for characterizing the Pb (II) adsorption on the carbon materials under study. Thus, it was found that the interaction between the adsorbed ions and the functional groups of the adsorbents makes an important contribution to the overall rate of the process. Finally, the time of achieving equilibrium, the adsorption rate constants and the maximum adsorption capacity were empirically determined for all the adsorbents.
Gold Nanoflowers and Gold Nanospheres as Labels in Lateral Flow Immunoassay of Procalcitonin
Authors: Serebrennikova Kseniya V. , Samsonova Jeanne V. , Osipov Alexander P. , Senapati Dulal , Kuznetsov Denis V.
Published: January 2017

In this study, new types of nanogold labels for lateral flow immunoassay of model antigen procalcitonin based on photometric and surface-enhanced Raman scattering methods of detection were obtained. The linear range of procalcitonin determination applying gold nanoflowers as a label was between 0.5 and 10 ng/mL. The limit of photometric detection was achieved at 0.1 ng/mL that was five times lower than the sensitivity of traditional lateral flow immunoassay with spherical gold nanoparticles as a label. In addition, the conjugate of polyclonal antibodies against procalcitonin with spherical gold nanoparticles labeled with 4-mercaptobenzoic acid as Raman reporter molecule was prepared and used as an immunoprobe in lateral flow immunoassay based on surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy to improve assay sensitivity.
Biologically Active Nanomaterials in Potato Growing
Authors: Samoylova Margarita V. , Churilov Dmitriy G. , Nazarova Anna A. , Polishchuk Svetlana D. , Byshov Nikolai V.
Published: January 2017

The article presents the influence of different nanomaterials such as nanopowders of ferrum, cobalt and cuprum, suspensions of copper and cobalt oxides nanoparticles and ultrafine humic acids on potato breed “Latona”. We have studied the influence of nanomaterials on morphological and physiological parameters of plants, the yield, its structure and chemical composition of potato as well as on vitamins C and PP in potato tubers. On the basis of investigations we have recommended introduction of biologically active nanomaterials into intensive technology of growing the crop.
Editorial
Authors: Drahaman Akram , Wazeer Zafarullah
Published: January 2017

No abstract available
Complete Branchial Fistula
Authors: Indika S. D.
Published: January 2017

No abstract available
Clinical presentation of Thornwaldt’s cyst
Authors: Drahaman A. M. P. , Vara N. , Bickerton R. C.
Published: January 2017

No abstract avilable
The Insulin Receptor Plays a Critical Role in T Cell Function and Adaptive Immunity
Authors: Fischer Henrike J. , Sie Christopher , Schumann Eric , Witte Ann-Kathrin , Dressel Ralf , van den Brandt Jens , Reichardt Holger M.
Published: January 2017

T cell activation is an energy-demanding process fueled by increased glucose consumption and accompanied by upregulation of the insulin receptor (INSR). In this article, we report that silencing the INSR in inducible knockdown rats impairs selective T cell functions but not thymocyte development. Glucose transport and glycolysis in activated CD4+ T cells were compromised in the absence of the INSR, which was associated with alterations in intracellular signaling pathways. The observed metabolic defects coincided with reduced cytokine production, proliferation, and migration, as well as increased apoptosis of CD4+ T cells. The cytotoxicity of CD8+ T cells in response to alloantigens was also diminished under these conditions, whereas the frequency and suppressive capacity of regulatory T cells were unaffected. The observed impairments proved to be decisive in vivo because silencing of the INSR attenuated clinical symptoms in animal models of acute graft-versus-host disease and multiple sclerosis. Taken together, our results suggest that upregulation of the INSR on T cells following activation is required for efficient adaptive immunity.
Cutting Edge: Notch Signaling Promotes the Plasticity of Group-2 Innate Lymphoid Cells
Authors: Zhang Kangning , Xu Xingyuan , Pasha Muhammad Asghar , Siebel Christian W. , Costello Angelica , Haczku Angela , MacNamara Katherine , Liang Tingbo , Zhu Jinfang , Bhandoola Avinash , Maillard Ivan , Yang Qi
Published: January 2017

The mechanisms underlying lymphocyte lineage stability and plasticity remain elusive. Recent work indicates that innate lymphoid cells (ILC) possess substantial plasticity. Whereas natural ILC2 (nILC2) produce type-2 cytokines, plastic inflammatory ILC2 (iILC2) can coproduce both type-2 cytokines and the ILC3-characteristic cytokine, IL-17. Mechanisms that elicit this lineage plasticity, and the importance in health and disease, remain unclear. In this study we show that iILC2 are potent inducers of airway inflammation in response to acute house dust mite challenge. We find that Notch signaling induces lineage plasticity of mature ILC2 and drives the conversion of nILC2 into iILC2. Acute blockade of Notch signaling abolished functional iILC2, but not nILC2, in vivo. Exposure of isolated nILC2 to Notch ligands induced Rorc expression and elicited dual IL-13/IL-17 production, converting nILC2 into iILC2. Together these results reveal a novel role for Notch signaling in eliciting ILC2 plasticity and driving the emergence of highly proinflammatory innate lymphocytes.
IL-4 Haploinsufficiency Specifically Impairs IgE Responses against Allergens in Mice
Authors: Robinson Marcus J. , Prout Melanie , Mearns Helen , Kyle Ryan , Camberis Mali , Forbes-Blom Elizabeth E. , Paul William E. , Allen Christopher D. C. , Le Gros Graham
Published: January 2017

Polymorphisms in genes involved in IL-4 responses segregate with allergic disease risk and correlate with IgE levels in humans, and IL-4 promotes IgE and IgG1 Ab production against allergens in mice. We report that mice with only one intact Il4 gene copy are significantly impaired in their ability to make specific IgE responses against allergens, whereas IgG1 responses to allergens remain unaffected. Il4-hemizygosity also resulted in a modest but detectable drop in IL-4 production by CD4+ T cells isolated from lymph nodes and prevented IgE-dependent oral allergen–induced diarrhea. We conclude that a state of haploinsufficiency for the Il4 gene locus is specifically relevant for IL-4–dependent IgE responses to allergens with the amount of IL-4 produced in the hemizygous condition falling close to the threshold required for switching to IgE production. These results may be relevant for how polymorphisms in genes affecting IL-4 responses influence the risk of IgE-mediated allergic disease in humans.
Circulating Monocytes Exhibit an Endotoxin Tolerance Status after Acute Ischemic Stroke: Mitochondrial DNA as a Putative Explanation for Poststroke Infections
Authors: Hernández-Jiménez Enrique , Gutierrez-Fernández María , Cubillos-Zapata Carolina , Otero-Ortega Laura , Rodríguez-Frutos Berta , Toledano Víctor , Martínez-Sánchez Patricia , Fuentes Blanca , Varela-Serrano Aníbal , Avendaño-Ortiz José , Blázquez Alberto , Mangas-Guijarro María Ángeles , Díez-Tejedor Exuperio , López-Collazo Eduardo
Published: January 2017

Patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) suffer from infections associated with mortality. The relevance of the innate immune system, and monocytes in particular, has emerged as an important factor in the evolution of these infections. The study enrolled 14 patients with AIS, without previous treatment, and 10 healthy controls. In the present study, we show that monocytes from patients with AIS exhibit a refractory state or endotoxin tolerance. The patients were unable to orchestrate an inflammatory response against LPS and expressed three factors reported to control the evolution of human monocytes into a refractory state: IL-1R–associated kinase-M, NFkB2/p100, and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α. The levels of circulating mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in patients with AIS correlated with impaired inflammatory response of isolated monocytes. Interestingly, the patients could be classified into two groups: those who were infected and those who were not, according to circulating mtDNA levels. This finding was validated in an independent cohort of 23 patients with AIS. Additionally, monocytes from healthy controls, cultured in the presence of both sera from patients and mtDNA, reproduced a refractory state after endotoxin challenge. This effect was negated by either a TLR9 antagonist or DNase treatment. The present data further extend our understanding of endotoxin tolerance implications in AIS. A putative role of mtDNA as a new biomarker of stroke-associated infections, and thus a clinical target for preventing poststroke infection, has also been identified.
An Investment Case to Prevent the Reintroduction of Malaria in Sri Lanka
Authors: Shretta Rima , Baral Ranju , Avanceña Anton L. V. , Fox Katie , Dannoruwa Asoka Premasiri , Jayanetti Ravindra , Jeyakumaran Arumainayagam , Hasantha Rasike , Peris Lalanthika , Premaratne Risintha
Published: January 2017

Sri Lanka has made remarkable gains in reducing the burden of malaria, recording no locally transmitted malaria cases since November 2012 and zero deaths since 2007. The country was recently certified as malaria free by World Health Organization in September 2016. Sri Lanka, however, continues to face a risk of resurgence due to persistent receptivity and vulnerability to malaria transmission. Maintaining the gains will require continued financing to the malaria program to maintain the activities aimed at preventing reintroduction. This article presents an investment case for malaria in Sri Lanka by estimating the costs and benefits of sustaining investments to prevent the reintroduction of the disease. An ingredient-based approach was used to estimate the cost of the existing program. The cost of potential resurgence was estimated using a hypothetical scenario in which resurgence assumed to occur, if all prevention of reintroduction activities were halted. These estimates were used to compute a benefit–cost ratio and a return on investment. The total economic cost of the malaria program in 2014 was estimated at U.S. dollars (USD) 0.57 per capita per year with a financial cost of USD0.37 per capita. The cost of potential malaria resurgence was, however, much higher estimated at 13 times the cost of maintaining existing activities or 21 times based on financial costs alone. This evidence suggests a substantial return on investment providing a compelling argument for advocacy for continued prioritization of funding for the prevention of reintroduction of malaria in Sri Lanka.
Elimination of Kala-Azar from the Southeast Asia Region
Authors: Bhattacharya Sujit K. , Dash Aditya Prasad
Published: January 2017

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL), popularly known as kala-azar, is essentially a disease of poverty. Kala-azar is caused by a parasite, Leishmania donovani. Recent review indicates that worldwide 98 countries are endemic for kala-azar. Approximately 0.2–0.4 million new VL cases occur each year worldwide. More than 90% of global VL cases occur in Bangladesh, Brazil, Ethiopia, India, South Sudan, and Sudan. This trend is slowly changing due to the progress in kala-azar elimination in southeast Asia, where Bangladesh has reported an average of some 600 new cases in 2014−2015. With the advancement in our knowledge about the disease and development of tools to diagnose and treat VL, it was considered that elimination of kala-azar was possible from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. The three countries signed a memorandum of understanding in 2005 for collaboration. Miltefosine is the first ever oral drug developed to treat VL, which was later replaced by lipid amphotericin B. The main components of the strategy are early diagnosis using rK39 strip test and complete treatment utilizing miltefosine for 28 days. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane or pyrethroids were deployed for vector control. There was much to be desired for better performance of the vector control activity. Pharmacovigilance and monitoring of drug resistance were the weakest part of the program. In the post-elimination phase, surveillance reinforced by active case finding will of a crucial factor for sustainability of the elimination. A strong political will is required to ensure elimination of kala-azar from the Indian subcontinent and its sustainability in the post-elimination phase.
The Effectiveness of Sanitary Inspections as a Risk Assessment Tool for Thermotolerant Coliform Bacteria Contamination of Rural Drinking Water: A Review of Data from West Bengal, India
Authors: Snoad Christian , Nagel Corey , Bhattacharya Animesh , Thomas Evan
Published: January 2017

The use of sanitary inspections combined with periodic water quality testing has been recommended in some cases as screening tools for fecal contamination. We conducted sanitary inspections and tested for thermotolerant coliforms (TTCs), a fecal indicator bacteria, among 7,317 unique water sources in West Bengal, India. Our results indicate that the sanitary inspection score has poor ability to identify TTC-contaminated sources. Among deep and shallow hand pumps, the area under curve (AUC) for prediction of TTC > 0 was 0.58 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.53–0.61) and 0.58 (95% CI = 0.54–0.62), respectively, indicating that the sanitary inspection score was only marginally better than chance in discriminating between contaminated and uncontaminated sources of this type. A slightly higher AUC value of 0.64 (95% CI=0.57–0.71) was observed when the sanitary inspection score was used for prediction of TTC > 0 among the gravity-fed piped sources. Among unprotected springs (AUC = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.38–0.55) and unprotected dug wells (AUC = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.20–0.66), the sanitary inspection score performed more poorly than chance in discriminating between sites with TTC < 1 and TTC > 0. Aggregating over all source types, the sensitivity (true positive rate) of a high/very high sanitary inspection score for TTC contamination (TTC > 1 CFU/100 mL) was 29.4% and the specificity (true negative rate) was 77.9%, resulting in substantial misclassification of the sites when using the established risk categories. These findings suggest that sanitary surveys are inappropriate screening tools for identifying TTC contamination at water points.
Improved Detection of Strongyloides stercoralis in Modified Agar Plate Cultures
Authors: Pocaterra Leonor A. , Ferrara Giuseppe , Peñaranda Rosaura , Rojas Elsy , Pérez-Chacón Gladymar , Hernán Aurora , Certad Gabriela , Goldstein Carlos , Núñez Luz
Published: January 2017

A modification of Koga agar plate culture was performed, consisting of a 2 × 2-cm cellophane paper centered on the agar plate to prevent bacterial contamination of the agar and daily dish examinations (days 2–5). Between January 2000 and July 2005, we examined 1,708 infection-suspected patients, of which 147 (8.6%) harbored S. stercoralis. Single modified agar plate cultures exhibited superior sensitivity (93.2%), compared with different three-sample screening methods (sensitivity—Baermann: 76.6%, formalin-ethyl acetate: 22%, and direct smear: 15.3%). Agar plate cultures stand out as helpful alternatives for improved detection and therapy monitoring in poor countries and endemic areas. Combined with Baermann methods, they provide increased probability for S. stercoralis detection.
Jarisch–Herxheimer Reaction Among Patients with Leptospirosis: Incidence and Risk Factors
Authors: Guerrier Gilles , Lefèvre Patrick , Chouvin Chantal , D'Ortenzio Eric
Published: January 2017

A Jarisch–Herxheimer reaction (JHR) may be precipitated after initiation of chemotherapy in spirochetal diseases, including leptospirosis. However, a clear idea of the importance of JHR in this disease is lacking. The incidence of and risk factors for JHR were investigated retrospectively among 262 patients with confirmed leptospirosis who received amoxicillin treatment in New Caledonia and Futuna. The overall rate of JHR was 21% (12% in New Caledonia and 44% in Futuna). Two risk factors were independently associated with JHR occurrence: Leptospira interrogans serogroup Australis as the infecting strain (odds ratio [OR] = 2.60, confidence interval [CI] = 1.40–5.62) and delays < 3 days between the onset of symptoms and the initiation of antibiotherapy (OR = 2.14, CI = 1.11–4.38). Clinicians should be aware of JHR as a potential complication of leptospirosis. Strain-related factors associated with JHR occurrence and its impact on outcome remains to be explored.
Vitamin A and Zinc Supplementation Among Pregnant Women to Prevent Placental Malaria: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial in Tanzania
Authors: Darling Anne Marie , Mugusi Ferdinand M. , Etheredge Analee J. , Gunaratna Nilupa S. , Abioye Ajibola Ibraheem , Aboud Said , Duggan Christopher , Mongi Robert , Spiegelman Donna , Roberts Drucilla , Hamer Davidson H. , Kain Kevin C. , Fawzi Wafaie W.
Published: January 2017

Vitamin A and zinc are important for immune function and may improve host defense against malaria and reduce the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes. Our objective was to determine whether daily oral supplementation with either or both nutrients starting in the first trimester reduces the risk of placental malaria and adverse pregnancy outcomes. We undertook a randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial with a factorial design among 2,500 human immunodeficiency virus–negative primigravid or secundigravid pregnant women in their first trimester of pregnancy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. We randomly allocated equal numbers of participants to 2,500 IU of vitamin A, 25 mg of zinc, both 2,500 IU of vitamin A and 25 mg of zinc, or a placebo until delivery. A total of 625 participants were allocated to each treatment group. Our primary outcome, placental malaria infection (past or current), was assessed in all randomized participants for whom placental samples were obtained at delivery (N = 1,404), which represents 56% of total participants and 62% of all pregnancies lasting 28 weeks or longer (N = 2,266). Birth outcomes were obtained for 2,434 of the 2,500 randomized participants. Secondary outcomes included small for gestational age (SGA) births and prematurity. All analyses were intent to treat. Those who received zinc had a lower risk of histopathology-positive placental malaria compared with those who did not receive zinc (risk ratio = 0.64, 95% confidence interval = 0.44, 0.91), but neither nutrient had an effect on polymerase chain reaction–positive malaria, SGA, or prematurity. No safety concerns were identified. We recommend additional studies in other geographic locations to confirm these findings.
Divergent Effects of Schistosoma haematobium Exposure on Intermediate-Host Snail Species Bulinus nasutus and Bulinus globosus from Coastal Kenya
Authors: Kariuki H. Curtis , Ivy Julianne A. , Muchiri Eric M. , Sutherland Laura J. , King Charles H.
Published: January 2017

Schistosoma haematobium infection causes urogenital schistosomiasis, a chronic inflammatory disease that is highly prevalent in many parts of sub-Saharan Africa. Bulinid snails are the obligate intermediate hosts in the transmission of this parasite. In the present study, Bulinus globosus and Bulinus nasutus snails from coastal Kenya were raised in the laboratory and exposed to miracidia derived from sympatric S. haematobium specimens to assess the species-specific impact of parasite contact and infection. The snails' subsequent patterns of survival, cercarial shedding, and reproduction were monitored for up to 3 months postexposure. Schistosoma haematobium exposure significantly decreased the survival of B. globosus, but not of B. nasutus. Although both species were capable of transmitting S. haematobium, the B. globosus study population had a greater cumulative incidence of cercarial shedders and a higher average number of cercariae shed per snail than did the B. nasutus population. The effects of prior parasite exposure on snail reproduction were different between the two species. These included more numerous production of egg masses by exposed B. nasutus (as compared with unexposed snails), contrasted to decreased overall egg mass production by parasite-exposed B. globosus. The interspecies differences in the response to and transmission of S. haematobium reflect clear differences in life histories for the two bulinid species when they interact with the parasite, which should be taken into account when planning control interventions aimed at reducing each host snails' contribution to local transmission of Schistosoma infection.
Application of Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat Markers in the Analysis of Populations of the Chagas Disease Vector Triatoma infestans (Hemiptera, Reduviidae)
Authors: Pérez de Rosas Alicia R. , Restelli María F. , Fernández Cintia J. , Blariza María J. , García Beatriz A.
Published: January 2017

Here we apply inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers to explore the fine-scale genetic structure and dispersal in populations of Triatoma infestans. Five selected primers from 30 primers were used to amplify ISSRs by polymerase chain reaction. A total of 90 polymorphic bands were detected across 134 individuals captured from 11 peridomestic sites from the locality of San Martín (Capayán Department, Catamarca Province, Argentina). Significant levels of genetic differentiation suggest limited gene flow among sampling sites. Spatial autocorrelation analysis confirms that dispersal occurs on the scale of ∼469 m, suggesting that insecticide spraying should be extended at least within a radius of ∼500 m around the infested area. Moreover, Bayesian clustering algorithms indicated genetic exchange among different sites analyzed, supporting the hypothesis of an important role of peridomestic structures in the process of reinfestation.
Rickettsia felis Infection in Febrile Children, Ghana
Authors: Sothmann Peter , Keller Christian , Krumkamp Ralf , Kreuels Benno , Aldrich Cassandra , Sarpong Nimako , Steierberg Stefanie , Winter Doris , Boahen Kennedy Gyau , Owusu-Dabo Ellis , May Jürgen , Eibach Daniel
Published: January 2017

Rickettsial infections are an underrecognized cause of febrile illness in sub-Saharan Africa. To evaluate the epidemiology and clinical features of rickettsial disease in pediatric patients in Ghana, we screened blood samples from febrile children aged less than 15 years presenting to an outpatient department in Ghana's Ashanti Region for the presence of rickettsial DNA. We detected Rickettsia felis in 7/470 (1.5%) blood samples, using two independent real-time polymerase chain reactions. No other Rickettsia species were found. R. felis was detected repeatedly in one patient, and coinfection with Plasmodium falciparum was found in 3/7 samples. Symptoms apart from fever included cough (6/7) and vomiting (4/7). None of the R. felis-positive patients reported a rash. This study is the first report on R. felis in Ghana and adds to the growing evidence for its widespread occurrence with and without malaria coinfection in sub-Saharan Africa.
A New Perspective on Antisthenes
Authors: Meijer Piet , Aksoycan Inge , Stork Peter
Published: January 2017

Antisthenes (c. 445- c. 365 BC), was a prominent follower of Socrates and bitter rival of Plato. In this revisionary account of his philosophy in all its aspects, P. A. Meijer claims that Plato and Aristotle have corrupted our perspective on this witty and ingenious thinker. The first part of the book reexamines afresh Antisthenes' ideas about definition and predication and concludes from these that Antisthenes never held the (in)famous theory that contradiction is impossible. The second part of the book argues that Antisthenes' logical theories bear directly on his activities as an exegete of Homer and hence as a theological thinker. Part three, finally, offers innovative readings of Antisthenes' ethical fragments.
Impact of spaceborne carbon monoxide observations from the S-5P platform on tropospheric composition analyses and forecasts
Authors: Abida Rachid , Attié Jean-Luc , El Amraoui Laaziz , Ricaud Philippe , Lahoz William , Eskes Henk , Segers Arjo , Curier Lyana , de Haan Johan , Kujanpää Jukka , Nijhuis Albert Oude , Tamminen Johanna , Timmermans Renske , Veefkind Pepijn
Published: January 2017

Abstract. We use the technique of Observing System Simulation Experiments (OSSEs) to quantify the impact of spaceborne carbon monoxide (CO) total column observations from the Sentinel-5 Precursor (S-5P) platform on tropospheric analyses and forecasts. We focus on Europe for the period of northern summer 2003, when there was a severe heat wave episode associated with extremely hot and dry weather conditions. We describe different elements of the OSSE: (i) the nature run (NR), i.e., the truth; (ii) the CO synthetic observations; (iii) the assimilation run (AR), where we assimilate the observations of interest; (iv) the control run (CR), in this study a free model run without assimilation; and (v) efforts to establish the fidelity of the OSSE results. Comparison of the results from AR and the CR, against the NR, shows that CO total column observations from S-5P provide a significant benefit (at the 99 % confidence level) at the surface, with the largest benefit occurring over land in regions far away from emission sources. Furthermore, the S-5P CO total column observations are able to capture phenomena such as the forest fires that occurred in Portugal during northern summer 2003. These results provide evidence of the benefit of S-5P observations for monitoring processes contributing to atmospheric pollution.
Size-resolved aerosol and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) properties in the remote marine South China Sea – Part 1: Observations and source classification
Authors: Atwood Samuel A. , Reid Jeffrey S. , Kreidenweis Sonia M. , Blake Donald R. , Jonsson Haflidi H. , Lagrosas Nofel D. , Xian Peng , Reid Elizabeth A. , Sessions Walter R. , Simpas James B.
Published: January 2017

Abstract. Ship-based measurements of aerosol and cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) properties are presented for 2 weeks of observations in remote marine regions of the South China Sea/East Sea during the southwestern monsoon (SWM) season. Smoke from extensive biomass burning throughout the Maritime Continent advected into this region during the SWM, where it was mixed with anthropogenic continental pollution and emissions from heavy shipping activities. Eight aerosol types were identified using a k-means cluster analysis with data from a size-resolved CCN characterization system. Interpretation of the clusters was supplemented by additional onboard aerosol and meteorological measurements, satellite, and model products for the region. A typical bimodal marine boundary layer background aerosol population was identified and observed mixing with accumulation mode aerosol from other sources, primarily smoke from fires in Borneo and Sumatra. Hygroscopicity was assessed using the κ parameter and was found to average 0.40 for samples dominated by aged accumulation mode smoke; 0.65 for accumulation mode marine aerosol; 0.60 in an anthropogenic aerosol plume; and 0.22 during a short period that was characterized by elevated levels of volatile organic compounds not associated with biomass burning impacts. As a special subset of the background marine aerosol, clean air masses substantially scrubbed of particles were observed following heavy precipitation or the passage of squall lines, with changes in observed aerosol properties occurring on the order of minutes. Average CN number concentrations, size distributions, and κ values are reported for each population type, along with CCN number concentrations for particles that activated at supersaturations between 0.14 and 0.85 %.