bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intercellular Crosstalk of Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Prostate Cancer Cells via Microvesicles Loaded with Magnetic Nanocubes for Targeted Magnetic Hyperthermia
Authors: Huang Liqun , Chen Mengwei , Xu Chang , Feng Qishuai , Wu Jiaojiao , Gao Lei , Xu Peng , Ning Peng , Wen Xiaofei , Cheng Yu
Published: November 2019

The targeted delivery of nanomedicines into solid tumors remains challenging in cancer treatment. Stem cells with tumortropic migration ability are promising as biocarriers to transport nanomedicines. The transportation of nanomedicines into cancer cells is the key step for tumor targeted
delivery via stem cells. In this study, we designed a magnetic nanocube (scMNP) loaded in mesenchymal stem cells for magnetic hyperthermia of prostate cancer, and the delivery and transportation pathways into the cancer cells were fully investigated. The MSCs acted as the carrier of the loaded
scMNPs along with the upregulation of CXCR4 for the migration to cancer cells. The therapeutic effect was mainly due to scMNPs via magnetic hyperthermia. Stem cell-derived microvesicles containing scMNPs played an essential role in the crosstalk between stem cells and cancer cells for targeted
delivery. Both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that the system showed satisfactory therapeutic efficiency under magnetic hyperthermia therapy. Our investigation presents a comprehensive study of magnetic nanoparticles in combination with MSCs and their extracellular
microvesicles and is promising as an effective strategy for magnetic hyperthermia therapy of prostate cancer.
Refinement of Nanoporous Copper with Poly(vinyl alcohol) During Dealloying Amorphous Mg65Cu25Y10 Precursors
Authors: Dan Zhen-Hua , Xu Li-Jun , Dong Yue-Cheng , Wang Ying , Qin Feng-Xiang , Liang Yong-Feng , Chang Hui
Published: November 2019

Ultrafine nanoporous copper (UNP Cu) with a characteristic pore size of about 12 nm and a ligament size of about 14 nm was fabricated from amorphous Mg65Cu25Y10 precursor alloys after dealloying in a 0.1 M H2SO4 solution modified
by poly(vinyly alcohol) polymers with a molecular weight of 105000 g/mol (PVA-124). The suppression of the surface diffusion from PVA-124 reduced the size of the nanopores and ligaments to 20 nm when the concentration of the added PVA-124 exceeded 0.1 g L−1. When the concentration
of the added PVA-124 exceeded 2 g L−1, PVA-124 triggered the polymerization process. The resultant polymer surface layer on the fcc Cu ligaments was shown to reduce the rate of selective dissolution. It was also shown that extending the immersion time resulted in a suppression
of coarsening. The introduction of PVA-124 polymer into acids resulted in a higher viscosity of the dealloying solutions, particularly when the concentration of PVA-124 was higher than 1.0 g L−1. This viscosity was shown not only to reduced rate of diffusion of Cu adatoms
in PVA-124 solutions, but also forced the accumulation of Cu adatoms to form small scale UNP Cu.
Facile Synthesis of a Porous ZnO Nanorod Array with Enhanced Photocatalysis for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Application
Authors: Khan Saleh , Liu Xiao-He , Jiang Xi , Chen Qing-Yun
Published: November 2019

Highly efficient and effective porous ZnO nanorod arrays were fabricated by annealing ZnO nanorod arrays grown on a substrate using a simple hydrothermal method. The annealing had a positive effect on the nanorod morphology, structure and optical properties. The porosity was closely
related to the annealing temperature. After heating at 450 °C, pores appeared on the nanorods. It was demonstrated that the porosity could be exploited to improve the visible light absorption of ZnO and reduce the bandgap from 3.11 eV to 2.99 eV. A combination of improved charge separation
and transport of the heat-treated ZnO thus led to an increase in the photoelectrochemical properties. At an irradiation intensity of 100 mW/cm−2, the photocurrent density of the porous nanorod array was approximately 1.3 mA cm−2 at 1.2 V versus Ag/AgCl, which
was five times higher than that of the ZnO nanorods. These results revealed the synthesis of promising porous ZnO nanorods for photoelectrochemical applications.
Matrine Regulates Th1/Th2 Balance to Treat Eczema by Upregulating Interferon-γ
Authors: Zhang Ling , Lin Sucai , Zheng Yongping , Wang Haitang
Published: November 2019

Although matrine (C15H22N2O) has been confirmed to be an effective medication in the treatment of eczema, the mechanisms by which it does so are still unclear. In this study, the mechanisms by which matrine treats eczema were investigated by using oxymatrine,
a matrine derivative, to treat guinea pigs with eczema. The differences between the treatment groups in this study were statistically significant (P < 0.05). We prepare nanoparticles to extract RNA. The results showed that the treatment with a high dose of oxymatrine (high-dose OMT)
reduced the damage done by eczema to guinea pig skin tissue (i.e., skin lesions). The high-dose OMT inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory factor proteins, as quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The high-dose OMT also increased Th1 and CD4+TGFβ+ levels,
as measured by flow cytometry. Examination of skin lesions showed that the high-dose OMT alleviated the symptoms of eczema. We used magnetic nanobeads to extract nucleic acids for detection with quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), and found that the high-dose OMT improved the expression
of pro-inflammatory factor genes. Using western blot analysis, we also found that the high-dose OMT was able to regulate the expression levels of IFN-γ and TGF-β proteins. Our experimental results indicated that matrine treats eczema by upregulating IFN-γ
and downregulating TGF-β levels to regulate the Th1/Th2 balance.
Effect of Dopant Precursor Solutions on the Structural and Optical Properties of ZnS:Cu Nanophosphors
Authors: Bindu K. R. , Anila E. I.
Published: November 2019

Nanoparticles of ZnS doped with Cu (ZnS:Cu) were prepared at room temperature by wet chemical method without any capping agent using two dopant precursor solutions-aqueous: (i) Copper acetate [ZnS:CA] and (ii) Copper nitrate [ZnS:CN] solutions. The characterization of the samples was
carried out for the structural, surface morphological and optical properties. XRD analysis results revealed the formation of cubic structure ZnS:Cu particles with an average size of 2.5 nm. From diffuse reflectance spectral (DRS) studies the band gap was found to be higher than bulk due to
quantum confinement effect. In Photoluminescence (PL) spectra a sulphur vacancy related blue emission around 432 nm and a green emission from the recombination between the shallow donor level and the t2 level of Cu were observed. The ZnS:CN nanoparticles showed enhanced luminescence
property compared with that of ZnS:CA nanoparticles.
Feasibility of Using Vitamin E-Loaded Poly(ε-caprolactone)/Gelatin Nanofibrous Mat to Prevent Oxidative Stress in Skin
Authors: Kalantary Saba , Golbabaei Farideh , Latifi Masoud , Shokrgozar Mohammad Ali , Yaseri Mehdi
Published: November 2019

Some occupational skin exposures lead to the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The occupational exposure of workers to ROS has been found to be associated with an increased risk of developing skin injuries; therefore, it is essential to protect skin against ROS formation.
Recently, some studies have been conducted on introducing better alternatives for skin protection. Nanofibers are good candidates for this purpose. The current study was carried out to assess vitamin E-loaded hybrid Poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/gelatin (Gt) nanofibres mats as protective
layers of skin exposed to occupational exposures. Vitamin E (VE) was successfully incorporated into PCL/Gt nanofibers while they were formed by electrospinning method. Nanofibers mats were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).
Their degradation behavior, in vitro release, biocompatibility, and antioxidant activity were studied. The diameters of the PCL/Gt/VE nanofibers decreased with the addition of vitamin E. The degradation rate of nanofibers was equal to 42.98 and 50.69% during 7 and 14 days, respectively.
Nanofibers containing vitamin E showed an initial burst followed by a sustained release. The PCL/Gt/VE nanofibers exhibited good free radical scavenging activities despite being exposed to a high electrical potential during electrospinning. PCL/Gt/VE nanofibers supported a higher level of
viability compared to PCL/Gt ones and significantly assisted human skin cells against tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) induced oxidative stress. Overall, PCL/Gt/VE nanofibers can potentially be used to protect skin against oxidative stress as a novel approach for worker’s healthcare.
Unusual Red-Shift and Enhanced Photoluminescence of BaMgAl10O17:Eu2+ Phosphor Under Ultraviolet A Excitation for Modern Lighting Systems
Authors: Chandar Rao P. , Shivani  , Gupta Mohini , Jaiswal Vishnu V. , Ravinder G. , Sreelatha C. J. , Hussain K. A. , Vijaya Prakash G. , Haranath D.
Published: November 2019

An unconventional red-shift but enhanced photoluminescence (PL) under ultraviolet A (UV-A) irradiation of Eu2+ doped Barium Magnesium Aluminate (BAM) phosphor prepared in both bulk and nanoforms useful for modern lighting applications has been presented. The solid-state reaction
and solution combustion approaches were used for the preparation of phosphors with post-annealing step in reduced atmosphere. A significant broad blue-green (˜500 nm) PL associated with the transition of Eu2+ from 4f6 5d1 excited state to the 4f7
ground state has been observed. The observed shifts and PL intensities were found to be extremely reliant on the thermal processing parameters during the synthesis of phosphor/nanophosphormaterials. It’s also important to note that the size of the phosphor particles have significant
role in defining the red-shift of PL due to quantum confinement effect. Detailed structural and morphological characterizations were also done in this paper. The results are promising and suggest that the BAM phosphor is highly desirable for enhancing the brightness levels in modern lighting
and display systems.
Single Step Blending of PEDOT:PSS/SPGO Nanocomposite via Low Temperature Solid Phase Addition of Graphene Oxide for Effective Hole Transport Layer in Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Pandey Sandeep , Karakoti Manoj , Chaudhary Neeraj , Gupta Sonal , Kumar Amit , Dhali Sunil , Patra Asit , Singh Rajiv K. , Sahoo Nanda Gopal
Published: November 2019

Herein, we report the modification of PEDOT:PSS by in-situ direct addition of graphene oxide powder processed by spray dryer (SPGO) for the enhancement in the performance of organic solar cell. The preparation of PEDOT:PSS/SPGO composite was done by direct incorporation of graphene
oxide powder at lower temperature i.e., below 5 °C. Raman spectroscopy of the prepared PEDOT:PSS/SPGO nanocomposites at low temperature suggested that low temperature plays a vital role to improve the ability of these composite as hole transport layer by improving adhesive properties of
the composite. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis suggested that the adhesive ability of these composite decreased surface roughness and thus providing smoother path for the hole transportation. After the successful synthesis of PEDOT:PSS/SPGO nanocomposites, ITO/PEDOT:PSS/SPGO/PTB7:PC71BM/Al
based organic solar cell was fabricated. The J–V curves under AM 1.5G illumination (100 mW/cm2) of the PTB7:PC71BM based OSCs using PEDOT:PSS/SPGO as a HTL exhibit Voc = 0.67 V, Jsc = 17.3 mA, FF = 41.5%, PCE = 4.82%, and
device with PEDOT:PSS as HTL exhibit Voc = 0.68 V, Jsc = 16.0 mA/cm2, FF = 38.7% and PCE = 4.04%. The enhance PCE in case of PEDOT:PSS/SPGO based devices depicted that the direct inclusion of graphene oxide in PEDOT:PSS increased the PCE almost
16%, which arises due the high conductivity and stable pi–pi stacking of the spray dryer processed graphene sheets with PEDOT:PSS which ease the charge carrier mobility, thus providing feasible path for charge transportation.
Effect of Temperature on Structural and Optical Properties of Methyl-Ammonium Bismuth Iodide Thin Films
Authors: Vikas N. P. , Mahmood Sadiq , Pranoy S. , Kumar Sacheen , Kumar Ravi
Published: November 2019

Organic–Inorganic perovskites are promising materials for an alternative to silicon technology for cost-effective performance of photovoltaic’s (PVs). Lead-based hybrid perovskite has lower stability and high toxicity. The bismuth-based hybrid perovskite, Methyl Ammonium
Bismuth Iodide (MABI) could be as an alternative to the lead-based system. In the present work, we present the structural and optical studies on hybrid MABI perovskite thin films synthesized at different temperature. Bandgap analyzed from UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy have shown the formation
of MABI complex in thin films prepared from the single step spin coating and dip coating method. Further, the MABI formation confirmed by Raman analysis. Optical and structural properties obtained are comparable to earlier reported theoretical studies. The roughness of highly stable annealed
film was analyzed by non-contact tapping mode atomic force microscopy.
A Charge Amplifier Based Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor Analog Front End for Piezoelectric Microphones in Hearing Aid Devices
Authors: Chilukuri Manu , Jung Sungyong , Chung Hoon-Ju
Published: November 2019

In this paper, a low noise and low power analog front end for piezoelectric microphones used in hearing aid devices is presented. It consists of a Charge Amplifier, followed by a Variable Gain Amplifier and an Analog-to-Digital Converter. At the core of charge amplifier a two stage
opamp with modified cascode current mirror is designed which achieves a gain of 93 dB and phase margin of 62°. Designed analog front end achieves an input referred noise of 0.12 μVrms and SNR of 74 dB. It consumes power of 430 μW from 1.8 V supply and occupies an area
of 1.2 mm × 0.22 mm. Proposed circuit is designed and fabricated in 0.18 μm CMOS process. Designed circuit is interfaced with a sensor model of piezoelectric microphone, which mimics Ormia ochracea's auditory system, and its performance is successfully verified against simulation
results.
Fixed Anvil Temperature Feedback: Positive, Zero, or Negative?
Authors: Yoshimori Masakazu , Lambert F. Hugo , Webb Mark J. , Andrews Timothy
Published: November 2019

The fixed anvil temperature (FAT) theory describes a mechanism for how tropical anvil clouds respond to global warming and has been used to argue for a robust positive longwave cloud feedback. A constant cloud anvil temperature, due to increased anvil altitude, has been argued to lead to a “zero cloud emission change” feedback, which can be considered positive relative to the negative feedback associated with cloud anvil warming when cloud altitude is unchanged. Here, partial radiative perturbation (PRP) analysis is used to quantify the radiative feedback caused by clouds that follow the FAT theory (FAT–cloud feedback) and to set this in the context of other feedback components in two atmospheric general circulation models. The FAT–cloud feedback is positive in the PRP framework due to increasing anvil altitude, but because the cloud emission does not change, this positive feedback is cancelled by an equal and opposite component of the temperature feedback due to increasing emission from the cloud. To incorporate this cancellation, the thermal radiative damping with fixed relative humidity and anvil temperature (T-FRAT) decomposition framework is proposed for longwave feedbacks, in which temperature, fixed relative humidity, and FAT–cloud feedbacks are combined. In T-FRAT, the cloud feedback under the FAT constraint is zero, while that under the proportionately higher anvil temperature (PHAT) constraint is negative. The change in the observable cloud radiative effect with FAT–cloud response is also evaluated and shown to be negative due to so-called cloud masking effects. It is shown that “cloud masking” is a misleading term in this context, and these effects are interpreted more generally as “cloud climatology effects.”
Diurnal Cycle of the Asian Summer Monsoon: Air Pump of the Second Kind
Authors: Chen Guixing
Published: November 2019

Diurnal variations of rainfall and winds are pronounced over the Asian summer monsoon region, but their activities under different monsoon conditions are not clarified. Here, the diurnal cycle of monsoon flow and its influence are examined using 20-yr satellite rainfall and reanalysis data. A total of 1840 summer days are partitioned into four dynamic groups of strong or weak background flows with large or small diurnal amplitudes of low-level meridional wind. Large-scale southerly wind is found to be strongest after midnight, with a large diurnal amplitude on strong monsoon days over central-north India and southeast China. Such a nocturnal speed-up is closely associated with the Blackadar boundary layer inertial oscillation due to the diurnal heating over low-lying landmass. It acts like a large air pump that injects moisture poleward at night and strengthens monsoonal circulation with anomalous rising motion at the northern rainband of the Asian monsoon. In particular, monsoon southerlies with large nighttime speed-up converge with downslope winds from the Himalayas or northerly anomaly from midlatitudes. Enhanced water vapor convergence facilitates the growth of organized convection, producing substantial rainfall at the Himalayan foothills in predawn hours and at the mei-yu–baiu zone from predawn to noon. When monsoon flow undergoes a small diurnal cycle, rainfall is instead displaced south and mostly recorded in daytime. Both the daily mean and morning peak of rainfall are suppressed on land under weak monsoon southerlies. Moreover, the monsoon diurnal cycle exhibits evident intraseasonal/interannual variations and contributes to rainfall variability. The results highlight that monsoon flow couples with subdaily forcings to strongly regulate the detailed patterns of rainfall and moisture budget over the Asian monsoon regions.
Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Aerosol Observing Systems (AOS) for Surface-Based In Situ Atmospheric Aerosol and Trace Gas Measurements
Authors: Uin Janek , Aiken Allison C. , Dubey Manvendra K. , Kuang Chongai , Pekour Mikhail , Salwen Cynthia , Sedlacek Arthur J. , Senum Gunnar , Smith Scott , Wang Jian , Watson Thomas B. , Springston Stephen R.
Published: November 2019

Aerosols alter Earth’s radiative budget both directly and indirectly through interaction with clouds. Continuous observations are required to reduce the uncertainties in climate models associated with atmospheric processing and the interactions between aerosols and clouds. Field observations of aerosols are a central component of the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Facility’s global measurements. The ARM mission goal is to “provide the climate research community with strategically located in situ and remote sensing observatories designed to improve the understanding and representation, in climate and earth system models, of clouds and aerosols as well as their interactions and coupling with the Earth’s surface.” Since 1996, ARM has met this goal by operating Aerosol Observing Systems (AOS) for in situ measurement of aerosols. Currently the five ARM AOSs are the most comprehensive field deployable aerosol systems in the United States. The AOS suite includes seven measurement classes: number concentration, size distribution, chemical composition, radiative and optical properties, hygroscopicity, trace gases, and supporting meteorological conditions. AOSs are designed as standardized measurement platforms to enable intercomparison across the ARM Facility for regional process studies within a global context. The instrumentation and measurement capabilities of the ARM AOSs, along with a history of their design and field deployments are presented here.
Hindcasting the First Tornado Forecast in Europe: 25 June 1967
Authors: Antonescu Bogdan , Púçik Tomáš , Schultz David M.
Published: November 2019

The tornado outbreak of 24–25 June 1967 was the most damaging in the history of western Europe, producing 7 F2–F5 tornadoes, 232 injuries, and 15 fatalities across France, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Following tornadoes in France on 24 June, the Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute (KNMI) issued a tornado forecast for 25 June, which became the first ever—and first verified—tornado forecast in Europe. Fifty-two years later, tornadoes are still not usually forecast by most European national meteorological services, and a pan-European counterpart to the NOAA/NWS/Storm Prediction Center (SPC) does not exist to provide convective outlook guidance; yet, tornadoes remain an extant threat. This article asks, “What would a modern-day forecast of the 24–25 June 1967 outbreak look like?” To answer this question, a model simulation of the event is used in three ways: 20-km grid-spacing output to produce a SPC-style convective outlook provided by the European Storm Forecast Experiment (ESTOFEX), 800-m grid-spacing output to analyze simulated reflectivity and surface winds in a nowcasting analog, and 800-m grid-spacing output to produce storm-total footprints of updraft helicity maxima to compare to observed tornado tracks. The model simulates a large supercell on 24 June and weaker embedded mesocyclones on 25 June forming along a stationary front, allowing the ESTOFEX outlooks to correctly identify the threat. Updraft helicity footprints indicate multiple mesocyclones on both days within 40–50 km and 3–4 h of observed tornado tracks, demonstrating the ability to hindcast a large European tornado outbreak.
Office-Based Steroid Injections for Idiopathic Subglottic Stenosis: Patient-Reported Outcomes, Effect on Stenosis, and Side Effects
Authors: Hoffman Matthew R. , Francis David O. , Mai Johnny P. , Dailey Seth H.
Published: November 2019

Objective:

Office-based steroid injection has shown promise for idiopathic subglottic stenosis (iSGS). It is important to understand safety and patient-lived experience. We report patient experience related to airway restriction, voice, and side effects.

Methods:

Sixteen patients (51 ± 14 years) with mild-moderate (20-50%) stenosis undergoing office-based transnasal steroid injections were included; fourteen had prior operations. Patients typically underwent three injections, 1 month apart, followed by transnasal tracheoscopy 1 month later to evaluate outcome; number of injections can vary based on disease severity and response. Outcomes were Dyspnea Index (DI), Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) dyspnea scale, voice handicap index-10 (VHI-10), and degree of stenosis (estimated from procedural video). At each visit, patients were queried about post-injection airway restriction and side effects. Paired t-tests compared values at baseline versus follow-up tracheoscopy.

Results:

DI decreased ( t = 3.938, P = 0.0013), as did MMRC ( t = 2.179, P = 0.0457). There was no change in VHI-10 ( t = 1.354; P = 0.1957) scores. Airway stenosis decreased ( t = 4.331; P = 0.0006); this was not correlated with change in DI ( r = 0.267, P = 0.318). Side effects included airway restriction lasting <48 hours (n = 5), cough (n = 3), and nasal pain (n = 2).

Conclusion:

Steroid injections improved upper airway symptoms. Side effects were mild and transient. Improvement in DI did not correlate with percent stenosis.
Prevention of Rheumatic Fever
Authors: Jackson Ham
Published: November 2019

Poststreptococcal sequelae can be markedly reduced by antibiotic therapy which eradicates the organism from the pharynx. In a double blind study, the effectiveness of clindamycin palmitate liquid was compared with that of ampicillin for eradicating group A beta hemolytic streptococci from patients with pharyngitis. Cultures four days posttherapy were negative in 95 (93.2%) of 102 clindamycin treated patients and in 92 (87.6%) of 105 in the ampicillin group. Seventy-six clindamycin treated and 79 ampicillin treated patients had 28-day cultures with negative results in 69 (90.8%) and 67 (84.8%), respectively. Possible side effects were both mild and infrequent, 3.8 per cent from ampicillin and 2.6 per cent from clindamycin. It was concluded that clindamycin palmitate is palatable, relatively free of side effects and is an effective drug for treatment of streptococcal pharyngitis. No poststreptococcal sequelae occurred.
The Offertory as Anamnesis toward Ethical Action: Common Worship as a Case Study
Authors: Strout Shawn
Published: November 2019

Liturgical scholarship identifies the memorial section of the Eucharistic Prayer as the anamnesis. However, Eucharistic liturgies can contain multiple anamneses. For example, Alexander Schmemann speaks of the anamnetic quality of the Great Entrance in the Byzantine Rite in his book The Eucharist. In Anglican worship, the offertory rite is juxtaposed (à la Gordon Lathrop) with the prayers of penitence, prayers of intercession, and the peace. These juxtapositions produce the type of transformative opportunities Bruce Morrill discusses in his book Anamnesis as Dangerous Memory. In this paper, I examine the offertory rite as found in the Church of England’s Common Worship as an example of this juxtaposition. Using Schmemann, Lathrop and Morrill’s liturgical theology as foundational, I argue that the offertory rite in Anglican worship is anamnetic and can lead to a transformative encounter with Christ, leading to ethical action.
Undergraduates at a Research University Think of Faculty as Teachers and That Teaching is Prestigious
Authors: Morling Beth , Lee Jeong Min
Published: November 2019

What do university students understand about faculty work? Undergraduate (mostly first-year) students ( N = 317) at a research university gave definitions of tenure, estimated how much time faculty spend teaching, and rated fictional faculty members. Most students could define tenure but could not describe how it is earned or its role in academic freedom. Students overestimated the time faculty spend on teaching and underestimated time spent on research. Finally, students who assumed that fictional faculty taught more courses also assumed they had higher status. By comparison, faculty respondents ( N = 645) who read the same fictional descriptions assumed higher teaching loads went with lower status markers. As they acculturate to life at a research university, first-year students could benefit from learning about faculty research roles and the value of academic freedom.
Adorno, Marx, dialectic
Authors: Keikhaee Aidin
Published: November 2019

This essay revisits Adorno’s relation to Marx through a reading of his recently translated seminar on Marx (1962) within the broader context of the two thinkers’ views on the dialectic. While Adorno’s critical comments in the seminar seem to be applicable to some of Marx’s bold assertions about Hegel’s dialectic, taken in isolation, they fail to challenge Marx’s more rigorous analysis of the dialectic, as presented in his introduction to the Grundrisse. Nevertheless, read alongside Adorno’s mature critique of identity, the text of the seminar could be interpreted as pointing to a much more serious criticism of Marx, that is, the criticism of the primacy of economy that animates Marx’s dialectic from within. The essay is concluded with a warning against reducing Adorno’s position on Marx to his criticism of the primacy of economy, followed by a brief reference to the fundamentally transitory character of critical theory.
Democracy in Croatia: From stagnant 1990s to rapid change 2000–2011
Authors: Finn Victoria
Published: November 2019

This article analyses democracy in post-communist Croatia 1990–1999 and 2000–2011. During the first decade, political stagnation occurred under a competitive authoritarian regime. This ended abruptly and there was a critical juncture, during which a free and fair election marked the start of Croatian democracy in 2000. I first propose a causal chain to explain the election results, suggesting that the occurrence of the election, combined with other necessary factors, revealed the population’s underlying preference for democracy. Internally, this preference then served as a positive feedback mechanism throughout Croatia’s rapid increase in democracy as it became a candidate for European Union membership and finalized accession negotiations. Externally, the European Union influenced democratic progress, particularly via conditionality policies. This historical comparative analysis aims to explain which factors allowed for a rapid increase in democratic quality, positioning the 2000 election results as the main influence.
Selecting party leaders, reform processes and methods: Examining the Australian and New Zealand Labour parties
Authors: Cross William P , Gauja Anika
Published: November 2019

It is well documented that there has been significant change in the methods of political party leadership selection in recent years. It is now estimated that close to half of the parties in Western democracies use some form of ‘primaries’ for this purpose. However, research suggests there is marked variance in the methods used among parties that have adopted more inclusive processes. Using two qualitative comparative case studies, New Zealand Labour and the Australian Labor Party, this article identifies the main organizational decisions that stem from the choice to expand the leadership franchise. In doing so, we explore the range of options open to parties and examine the rationales supporting each of these. The relationship between the type of reform process undertaken and the decisions made is also explored.
Between personalized and racialized precision medicine: A relative resources perspective
Authors: Sun Shirley
Published: November 2019

Since the completion of the first human genome sequencing project in 2003, the potential for incorporating genomics into clinical practice in the pursuit of precision medicine has garnered a great amount of attention and interest. Existing literature presents a dichotomous view of the future of medicine: either precision medicine will replace race-based medicine or race-based medicine will persist despite developments in genetic research and genomic medicine. Drawing on interview data with 46 physicians and scientists in the USA, Canada, and Singapore who are conducting research or practicing precision medicine in the context of cancer treatment and prevention, this article attempts to contribute to the existing debate by proposing a ‘relative resources’ perspective to explain which approach will dominate in a particular healthcare setting. The author elaborates on the ‘heterogeneity of resources’ and suggests that the extent to which precision medicine will be personalized or racialized/ethnicized in the clinic will most likely be a function of the relative availability of resources – including but not limited to financial, human and computer informatics, and legal and infrastructural resources – at individual and collective levels in healthcare contexts.
Exogenous supplementation of antithrombin III in adult and pediatric patients receiving extracorporeal membrane oxygenation
Authors: Sorial Mark N , Greene Rebecca A , Zullo Andrew R , Berard-Collins Christine , Willis Steve
Published: November 2019

Background:

Antithrombin III deficiency can occur with heparin anticoagulation during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation leading to heparin resistance. Antithrombin III supplementation has been shown to improve anticoagulation; however, there is no consensus on appropriate administration. We described the effect of antithrombin III supplementation on coagulation parameters in adult and pediatric extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study using electronic medical records of patients who received ⩾1 dose of antithrombin III during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation while on continuous heparin. Endpoints included the change in anti-Xa levels and antithrombin III activity at −6 versus 6 h relative to antithrombin III supplementation, and heparin infusion rates at 6 versus 12 h after antithrombin III supplementation.

Results:

Eighteen patients receiving 36 antithrombin III administrations were analyzed. Mean (standard deviation) anti-Xa values at −6 versus 6 h were 0.15 (0.07) versus 0.24 (0.15) IU/mL ( p-value: 0.250) for pediatrics and 0.19 (0.22) versus 0.31 (0.27) IU/mL ( p-value: 0.052) for adults. Mean (standard deviation) plasma antithrombin III activity at the same intervals were 32% (14.2%) versus 66.8% (25.1%; p-value: 0.062) for pediatrics and 30.3% (14%) versus 52.8% (8.1%; p-value: 0.094) for adults. Mean (standard deviation) heparin rates at 6 versus 12 h after antithrombin III for pediatrics were 23.6 (6) versus 23.5 (6.5) units/kg/h ( p-value: 0.728), and 15.3 (6.6) versus 13.5 (8) units/kg/h ( p-value: 0.188) for adults.

Conclusion:

Administration of antithrombin III improved anti-Xa levels in both populations, however, did not significantly reduce heparin rates. Our findings suggest that the use of antithrombin III restores heparin responsiveness in patients with low antithrombin III activity and low anti-Xa activity.
Examining African American Girls’ Literate Intersectional Identities Through Journal Entries and Discussions About STEM
Authors: Lewis Ellison Tisha , Robinson Bradley , Qiu Tairan
Published: November 2019

This article examines how three African American girls, ages 10 to 18, used journaling and interviews to better understand science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) as part of their literate identities. Drawing on prior work about literate identities, the authors introduce the concept of literate intersectional identities, which describes how participants’ diverse histories, literacies, and identities traverse categories, communities, genres, and modes of meaning within the context of a STEAM workshop. The authors employed open and thematic coding to analyze the girls’ journal entries in an effort to answer a question: In what ways do African American girls’ journal writings and interviews about STEM reflect and influence their literate identities in a digital app coding workshop? Findings reveal how their writings about race, access, and the underrepresentation of women of color in STEM helped them make sense of their self-assurance, self-awareness, and agency as girls of color interested in STEM careers.
Shear stiffness in the lower cervical spine: Effect of sequential posterior element injury
Authors: Dowling-Medley Jennifer J , Doodkorte Remco J , Melnyk Angela D , Cripton Peter A , Oxland Thomas R
Published: November 2019

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the posterior ligaments and facet joints on the shear stiffness of lower cervical functional spinal units in anterior, posterior, and lateral shear. Five functional spinal units were loaded in anterior, posterior, and right lateral shear up to 100 N using a custom-designed apparatus in a materials testing machine. Specimens were tested in three conditions: intact, with the posterior ligaments severed, and with the facet joints removed. There was a significant decrease in anterior stiffness in the 20–100 N load range from 186 (range: 98–327) N/mm in the intact condition to 105 (range: 78–142) N/mm in the disc-only condition (p = 0.03). Posterior stiffness between these condition decreased significantly from 134 (range: 92–182) N/mm to 119 (range: 83–181) N/mm (p = 0.03). There was no significant effect of posterior ligament removal on shear stiffness. No significant differences were found in the lateral direction or in the 0–20 N range for any direction. Under a 100-N shear load, the facet joints played a significant role in the stiffness of the cervical spine in the anterior–posterior direction, but not in the lateral direction.
Experimental investigations and statistical modeling of cutting force and torque in rotary ultrasonic bone drilling of human cadaver bone
Authors: Singh Ravinder Pal , Pandey Pulak Mohan , Mridha Asit Ranjan , Joshi Tanuj
Published: November 2019

Cutting force and torque are important factors in the success of the bone drilling process. In the recent past, many attempts have been made to reduce the cutting force and torque in the bone drilling process. In this work, drilling on human cadaver bones has been performed using rotary ultrasonic bone drilling process to investigate the effect of drilling parameters on cutting force and torque. The experimental work was carried on a recently developed rotary ultrasonic bone drilling machine for surgical operations. The experimental work was performed in two phases. The first phase includes a comparative study between rotary ultrasonic bone drilling and conventional surgical bone drilling, to study the influence of various drilling parameters (rotational speed, drill diameter, and drilling tool feed rate) on the cutting force and torque. The results revealed that the cutting force and torque produced during drilling operations in rotary ultrasonic bone drilling were lesser (30%–40%) than conventional surgical bone drilling. In the second phase, response surface methodology was used to perform the statistical modeling of cutting force and torque in rotary ultrasonic bone drilling process. Analysis of variance was performed at a confidence interval of 95% to analyze the significant contribution ( p < 0.05) of process parameters (drilling speed, feed rate, drill diameter, and abrasive particle size) on the responses (cutting force and torque). The confirmatory experiments were performed to validate the developed statistical models. It was found that both cutting force and torque decrease with increase in drilling speed and increases with the increasing drill diameter, feed rate, and abrasive particle size.
Classifying green teas with near infrared hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Mishra Puneet , Nordon Alison
Published: November 2019

Tea products analysis is currently limited to high-end analytical techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography and isotope analysis. However, these techniques are time-consuming, expensive, destructive and require trained experts to perform the experiments. In the present work, an application of near infrared hyperspectral imaging for the classification of similarly appearing green tea products is demonstrated. The tea products were classified based on their origin utilising a support vector machine classifier. Results showed good accuracy (96.36 ± 0.17%) for the classification of green tea products from seven different countries of origin.
Influence of the Internet on the Economic Growth of the Belt and Road Region
Authors: Li Yidan
Published: November 2019

As a general technology, the Internet promotes economic growth in various forms. We apply a dynamic panel data approach to measure the impact of the Internet on the gross domestic product (GDP) using data from 65 countries in the Belt and Road Region during the period 1996–2014. The results show that the Internet has a positive and statistically significant effect on the economic growth. These effects strengthen along with the development of the Internet. Many factors such as capital, labor force, technology, industrial structure, international trade, and economic level are essential to explain the differences in the influence of the Internet on the economic growth among the Belt and Road countries. With R-type factor analysis, two factor components can summarize above indicators: one represents the level of economic development and the other represents the level of intensification of the economic development mode. According to the different national situations, the BRI countries must adopt various strategies to actively promote the development of their information industry, and jointly develop the “Digital Silk Road.”
Innovation and Exports of Korean Firms: How Do They Differ by Size and Industry?
Authors: Shin Wonkyu , Oh Sehwan , Rho Sungho
Published: November 2019

This article examines some of the distinctive characteristics of South Korean firms in relation to their research and development (R&D) and export activities affecting the efforts to retain intellectual property rights (IPR). In particular, this study shows how firms of different sizes (small and medium enterprises: SMEs vs. large-scale enterprises: LEs) tend to hold the ownership of IPR differently. To test the heterogeneous effects of the firms’ innovative capacity, this study utilizes the firm level data of 6,138 Korean firms during 2006–2014. In the years 2006–2014, South Korea concluded free trade agreements (FTAs) with numerous economies and accelerated its market competition and integration into the global economy. Our empirical results found that R&D activities of both SMEs and LEs were active during the period; however, SMEs in particular took a great stride in their patenting and innovation activities. Findings of our article also show that the more companies engaged in export activities, the more actively patents grew. Furthermore, the companies in the information and communications technology (ICT) industry are more aggressive in patenting activities.
Resource Utilization in Hospitalized Patients With Cancer From Hospice Decision to Discharge and Provider-Type Differences
Authors: Shah Ruchi J. , Korenstein Deborah , Flynn Jessica R. , Koo Douglas J.
Published: November 2019

Aggressive resource utilization for patients with cancer at the end of life has been associated with poor outcomes for patients and their families. To our knowledge, no previous studies have characterized resource utilization as a proxy for quality end-of-life care in hospitalized patients awaiting discharge to hospice by physician and advanced practice providers (APPs). We conducted a retrospective cohort study to examine resource utilization and the quality metrics for end-of-life care in patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center from the date of hospice decision to discharge. Patients under the care of APP teams were less likely to receive laboratory testing (50% vs 59%, P = .046) and received fewer tests than those with house staff teams, though performance on end-of-life quality metrics was similar. Our findings suggest APPs may improve quality of end-of-life care by avoiding unnecessary or aggressive measures compared to house staff.
Trichoblastic Carcinosarcoma Arising From the Vagina: A Case Report With Comprehensive Immunophenotypic Analysis
Authors: Li Joshua Jing Xi , Ng Joanna Ka Man , Choi Paul Cheung Lung , Lee Jacqueline Ho Sze , Yu Mei-yung
Published: November 2019

A 54-year-old woman presented with abdominal pain. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an upper vaginal mass with no pelvic side wall involvement, nodal, or distant metastasis. Radical hysterectomy was performed. Histology showed trichoblastic carcinoma with hair follicle structures and malignant sarcomatous and carcinomatous components. Hair follicular differentiation was confirmed by positivity to hair follicle markers (Bcl-2, TLE1, CD56/NCAM, and TDAG51) and presence of CD10-positive trichogenic stroma. The tumor involved the vaginal muscularis only (FIGO [International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics] stage I) and was excised with clear margins. The patient remained disease free at 3-month follow-up. This is the first case of cutaneous-type carcinosarcoma reported in the vagina, highlighting the difference in histology, immunophenotype, and behavior compared with gynecologic carcinosarcomas.
Preliminary Assessment of a Novel Watchstanding Schedule for a Crew on a Small Surface Combatant of the United States Navy
Authors: Matsangas Panagiotis , Lewis Shattuck Nita
Published: November 2019

We assessed the utility of a fixed, 3-section, watchstanding schedule in a small surface combatant of the United States Navy. Sailors on the “5 hrs-daytime/3 hrs-nighttime” or “D5/N3” schedule stood two watches every day, one a 5-hour daytime shift and one a 3-hour nighttime shift. Crewmembers (N = 27) completed a questionnaire while the ship was underway to assess the utility and the crew’s acceptance of the D5/N3. Crewmembers reported sleeping 5.6 ± 1.3 hours daily. The average PSQI Global score was 8.3 ± 3.5, with ~81% of the participants identified as “poor sleepers.” Approximately 94% of the respondents noted that the D5/N3 was either better (53%) or the same (41%) compared to their previous watch schedule. The predictability of the daily schedule, the ability to plan daily activities, the adequacy of time to complete watch duties, the availability of time for off-watch duties/shipboard-departmental qualifications, and higher alertness/better ability to focus were considered the strengths of the D5/N3. Overall, the D5/N3 has the potential to be a useful alternative to existing 3-section watch standing schedules in terms of crew alertness levels, acceptance by the crewmembers, and workload management when working in a Navy vessel. Because it is a novel schedule, however, more effort should be focused on how to best implement the D5/N3 on a ship, and on the factors that affect its use at sea.
Safety in Shipping: Investigating Safety Climate in Norwegian Maritime Workers
Authors: Mallam Steven C. , Ernstsen Jørgen , Nazir Salman
Published: November 2019

Working at sea places individuals in an inherently dangerous environment for extended periods, exposing them to unique risks not found in land-based industries. Safety-critical socio-technical systems demand an inherent organizational safety culture for reliable and safe operations. Safety climate acts as a mediating factor between the broader organizational climate and safety behavior of individuals and teams. This paper investigates safety climate of individuals working at sea. Two hundred persons (47.3 yrs ±12.9; 175 males, 25 females) working as seafarers ( n=132) and onboard service staff ( n=68) with Norwegian maritime companies completed an online safety climate questionnaire. Results indicate that maritime workers generally have lower perceptions of safety within their organizations in comparison to other industries. Furthermore, certified seafarers have lower perceptions of safety then onboard service staff, who have lower restrictions to working at sea, and generally less maritime safety education and training.
A Mathematical Model-based Metric of Spatial Disorientation for Use in Triggering Active Countermeasures
Authors: Dixon Jordan B. , Endsley Tristan , Clark Torin K.
Published: November 2019

Spatial disorientation (SD) is a leading cause of Class A mishaps in aviation. Ground-based SD training has been widely adopted, and resulted in measurable reductions of mishaps attributed to SD. However, most benefits of SD training have been realized for some time, and it remains insufficient as a standalone countermeasure approach. Several active countermeasures have been proposed, however, many can be distracting in nature even during nominal conditions. Thus, there is a need to be able to detect SD, such that countermeasures could be triggered only when SD is likely to be present or posing a risk. Because there is no validated method of objectively measuring SD, particularly for real-time operational environments, previous research has focused on developing SD metrics using mathematical models of human orientation perception. We first review preliminary works proposing an ‘SD-detection-and-aiding-system’. Then we introduce a novel method to combine multiple aspects and dimensions of spatial orientation perception to create a continuous, unidimensional statistic. This metric of SD can be used to trigger active countermeasures for the purpose of reducing the risk of a mishap resulting from SD.