bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Natural Rubber Nanocomposite for Anthropomorphic Prosthetic Foot Purpose
Authors: Medupin Rasaq Olawale , Abubakre Oladiran Kamardeen , Abdulkareem Ambali Saka , Muriana Rasheed Aremu , Abdulrahman Asipita Salawu 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis research is motivated by the desire to restore the quality of life to amputees. The study uses multi-walled carbon nanotube (WMCNT) reinforced natural rubber (NR) polymer nanocomposite (PNC) for prosthetic foot application. The compound formulation was carried out in accordance to a modified procedure described by Hemkaew et al. Mixing of the ingredients during vulcanisation was performed according to ASTM D-3182 standard on an open two-roll mill. The various compositions of the nanocomposites (NCs) were cured at a temperature of 150 ± 2 °C and a pressure of 0.2 MPa for 10 minutes in an electrically heated hydraulic press. Mechanical investigation revealed that NR/MWCNT-3 exhibited the highest capacity to withstand tensile and dynamic loading (449.79 MPa). It also showed superior filler distribution and hence improved crystallinity and cross-link. Water absorption test indicated that NR/MWCNT-3 offers optimum dimensional stability at ambient conditions. Moreover, thermogravimetric analysis/differential thermogravimetry (TGA/DTG) showed degradation peaks at 305 °C and 290 °C respectively with temperature range within which the NCs degraded lying between 250 °C and 600 °C. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) revealed that filler incorporation results in higher storage and loss moduli (2000–7500 MPa and 500–1413 MPa respectively). Tan δ curves proved that NR/MWCNT-3 has the highest capacity to dissipate energy through segmental motion. Furthermore, microstructure examination confirmed good filler/matrix adhesion as NR/MWCNT-3 indicated improved interaction; hence higher strength (6.02 MPa) of the NC. Better wear resistance ability can also be reported of the newly developed than existing prosthetic material. It can be deduced that the formulated nanocomposite from MWCNTs for reinforced natural rubber is suitable for the development of the anthropomorphic prosthetic foot.
Pair housing makes calves more optimistic
Authors: Bučková Katarína , Špinka Marek , Hintze Sara 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIndividual housing of dairy calves is common farm practice, but has negative effects on calf welfare. A compromise between practice and welfare may be housing calves in pairs. We compared learning performances and affective states as assessed in a judgement bias task of individually housed and pair-housed calves. Twenty-two calves from each housing treatment were trained on a spatial Go/No-go task with active trial initiation to discriminate between the location of a teat-bucket signalling either reward (positive location) or non-reward (negative location). We compared the number of trials to learn the operant task (OT) for the trial initiation and to finish the subsequent discrimination task (DT). Ten pair-housed and ten individually housed calves were then tested for their responses to ambiguous stimuli positioned in-between the positive and negative locations. Housing did not affect learning speed (OT: F1,35 = 0.39, P = 0.54; DT: F1,19  = 0.15, P = 0.70), but pair-housed calves responded more positively to ambiguous cues than individually housed calves (χ21 = 6.79, P = 0.009), indicating more positive affective states. This is the first study to demonstrate that pair housing improves the affective aspect of calf welfare when compared to individual housing.
Intensity enhancement of ferromagnetic resonance modes in exchange coupled magnetic multilayers
Authors: Franco A F 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
In this work, the ferromagnetic resonance characteristics of a NiFeCu/Non-magnetic(NM)/NiFe/NM/CoFe/NM/Co multilayer is studied from a theoretical point of view, and comparisons with the ferromagnetic resonance of a NiFe/NM/CoFe magnetic bilayer are presented. It is found that the resonance modes of the multilayer tend to be more intense than those of the bilayer for several combinations of applied field and interlayer exchange coupling. Furthermore, rules governing the individual layer contributions to the resonance modes of a exchanged coupled magnetic multilayer are presented, which would apply to any number of layers. These results open the possibility to tailor the resonance frequencies of the multilayer structure by either engineering the interlayer exchange coupling or by applying a perpendicular magnetic field for multiband high frequency magnetic devices.
Simplicial SIS model in scale-free uniform hypergraph
Authors: Jhun Bukyoung , Jo Minjae , Kahng B 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
The hypergraph offers a platform to study structural properties emerging from more complicated and higher-order than pairwise interactions among constituents and dynamical behavior such as the spread of information or disease. Recently, a simplicial contagion problem was introduced and considered using a simplicial susceptible-infected-susceptible (SIS) model. Although recent studies have investigated random hypergraphs with a Poisson-type facet degree distribution, hypergraphs in the real world can have a power-law type of facet degree distribution. Here, we consider the SIS contagion problem on scale-free uniform hypergraphs and find that a continuous or hybrid epidemic transition occurs when the hub effect is dominant or weak, respectively. We determine the critical exponents analytically and numerically. We discuss the underlying mechanism of the hybrid epidemic transition.
Chemical pressure induced substantial negative exchange bias on zero field cooled nanocrystalline LaFeO3
Authors: Rao T Lakshmana , Pradhan M K , Chakravarty Sujay , Dash S 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
We report a distinctly different zero feld cooled negative exchange bias(EB) effect in Ni doped LaFeO3 nanoparticle where the EB field is both temperature and concentration dependent. Nanoparticles of Ni substituted LaFeO3 is prepared by a sol-gel process. The broadening of diffraction peaks with Ni is due to the combined effect of octahedral distortion and reduction in particle size while rulling out any structural phase change. A substantial EB is acquired below spin reorientation transitions which further reduces with higher chemical pressure of Ni. EB field is found to be ∼5.71 kOe at 5 K, revealing a large value compared to similar zero field cooled EB systems. A simple model is proposed based on tunable shell-core magnetic phases to explain these unique EB effects. Present study also aimed to explore the spin and oxidation state of Fe vis a vis magnetic ordering in LaFeO3 together with consequence of Ni doping.
Division of Parent Care Among Adult Children
Authors: Lin I-Fen , Wolf Douglas A 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Objectives
Many older adults rely on their children’s support to sustain community residence. Although filial norms encourage adult children to help their parents, not every child provides parent care in times of need. The majority of prior studies have adopted an individualistic perspective to examine factors associated with individual children’s caregiving behavior. This study complements previous work by using the family systems perspective to understand how caregiving responsibilities are allocated among children in the family and how the pattern of care division evolves over time.

Method
Data came from seven rounds of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (2011–2017), in which community-dwelling respondents were asked about all of their children and which children provided them with care. Multilevel models were estimated to examine how caregiving responsibilities were distributed among children and how the children’s caregiving efforts responded to changes in their parents’ frailty.

Results
About three quarters of older adults reported receiving help from only one child, and the average of monthly care hours was about 50 at baseline. As parents’ frailty increased, the proportion of children providing parents rose and the allocation of parent-care hours became more equal.

Discussion
This study underscores the importance of using the family systems perspective to better understand adult children’s caregiving behavior. Although just one adult child providing care is the most common caregiving arrangement initially, adult children tend to work with their siblings to support parents’ aging in place as parents’ need for care increases.
Effects of Nutrient Restriction During Midgestation to Late Gestation on Maternal and Fetal Postruminal Carbohydrase Activities in Sheep
Authors: Trotta Ronald J , Vasquez-Hidalgo Manuel A , Vonnahme Kimberly A , Swanson Kendall C 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
To examine the effects of nutrient restriction during midgestation to late gestation on maternal and fetal digestive enzyme activities, 41 singleton ewes (48.3 ± 0.6 kg of BW) were randomly assigned to dietary treatments: 100% (control; CON; n = 20) or 60% of nutrient requirements (restricted; RES; n = 21) from day 50 until day 90 (midgestation). At day 90, 14 ewes (CON, n = 7; RES, n = 7) were euthanized. The remaining ewes were subjected to treatments of nutrient restriction or remained on a control diet from day 90 until day 130 (late gestation): CON-CON (n = 6), CON-RES (n = 7), RES-CON (n = 7), and RES-RES (n = 7) and were euthanized on day 130. The fetal and maternal pancreas and small intestines were weighed, subsampled, and assayed for digestive enzyme activity. One unit (U) of enzyme activity is equal to 1 µmol of product produced per minute for amylase, glucoamylase, lactase, and trypsin and 0.5 µmol of product produced per minute for maltase and isomaltase. Nutrient restriction during midgestation and late gestation decreased (P &lt; 0.05) maternal pancreatic and small intestinal mass but did not affect fetal pancreatic or small intestinal mass. Maternal nutrient restriction during late gestation decreased (P = 0.03) fetal pancreatic trypsin content (U/pancreas) and tended to decrease (P &lt; 0.08) fetal pancreatic trypsin concentration (U/g), specific activity (U/g protein), and content relative to BW (U/kg of BW). Nutrient restriction of gestating ewes decreased the total content of α-amylase (P = 0.04) and tended to decrease total content of trypsin (P = 0.06) and protein (P = 0.06) in the maternal pancreas on day 90. Nutrient restriction during midgestation on day 90 and during late gestation on day 130 decreased (P = 0.04) maternal pancreatic α-amylase-specific activity. Sucrase activity was undetected in the fetal and maternal small intestine. Nutrient restriction during late gestation increased (P = 0.01) maternal small intestinal maltase and lactase concentration and tended to increase (P = 0.06) isomaltase concentration. Realimentation during late gestation after nutrient restriction during midgestation increased lactase concentration (P = 0.04) and specific activity (P = 0.05) in the fetal small intestine. Fetal small intestinal maltase, isomaltase, and glucoamylase did not respond to maternal nutrient restriction. These data indicate that some maternal and fetal digestive enzyme activities may change in response to maternal nutrient restriction.
A curious case of colitis
Authors: Goriawala Alifiya , Easson Alexandra 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT
Segmental colitis associated with diverticulosis (SCAD) is a rare variant of chronic colitis that is limited to segments of the left colon that harbor diverticula. Histologically, SCAD is known to mimic chronic idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease. Patients usually present with hematochezia and cramping abdominal pain; SCAD often resolves spontaneously without treatment, or completely after a limited course of therapy. Due to the histologic overlap with ulcerative colitis and occasional Crohn colitis, the implications of an inaccurate diagnosis are significant.
Improving health disparities in PA practices
Authors: Zuber Kim , McCall Timothy C. , Bruessow Diane , Devine Patricia J. , Straker Howard O. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT

Objective:
To assess a quality improvement initiative designed to highlight awareness of health disparities and improve healthcare practices among participants.

Methods:
Data were collected from 102 clinically practicing PAs over a 2-year timespan via the quality improvement initiative Outside the Box: Reducing Health Disparities. As part of the program, participants reviewed 10 random charts in their practice, documenting how they identified and/or managed common health disparities. Then, participants reviewed the educational materials provided and implemented practice-specific interventions. Thirty days after the initial review, a second random review of charts was executed.

Results:
Postintervention results showed statistically significant moderate- to large-sized quality improvement across most categories.

Conclusions:
This study demonstrates that Outside the Box participation was associated with practice quality improvements among participants in several domains that are known to experience health disparities. Results suggest that increasing awareness of ideal professional behaviors can result in quality improvements in practices.
Sport specialization in young athletes
Authors: Parker L. Taylor , LaBotz Michele 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT
Many young athletes are pursuing high-intensity training and choosing to specialize in a single sport before high school. However, a growing body of literature suggests that this approach places children and adolescents at increased risk for physical and mental harm, and does not confer the desired benefit in the development of sport-specific skills. This article reviews concerns associated with early sport specialization, outlines principles of developmentally appropriate physical activity and athletic development, and provides practical guidance and resources to assist clinicians in counseling young athletes and their families.
CE: Assessing and Managing Spiritual Distress in Cancer Survivorship
Authors: Nolan Timiya S. , Browning Kristine , Vo Jacqueline B. , Meadows Rachel J. , Paxton Raheem J. 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT:
More than 67% of people diagnosed with cancer in the United States are alive five years after receiving the diagnosis; but even if they are cancer free, the effects of the disease and its treatment will remain with them for the rest of their lives. Distress, which can be of a psychological, social, physical, or spiritual nature, is common among cancer survivors. Spiritual distress is a broad concept that is not necessarily associated with any specific religious beliefs, practices, or affiliations. Both religious and nonreligious people may have a strong sense of spirituality and may experience spiritual distress at various points throughout cancer survivorship. But clinicians often neglect to explore the spiritual components of distress, and despite the well-established association between spiritual well-being and quality of life, few of the instruments designed to assess the care needs of cancer survivors address spiritual needs. Through a composite clinical case, this article illustrates how nurses can incorporate into practice evidence-based recommendations for assessing and managing spiritual distress in cancer survivors.
Role of dihydroceramides in the progression of acute-on-chronic liver failure in rats
Authors: Li Fang-Fang , Liu Ning , Liu Wei , Li Mei , Zhang Fan , Dong Zhen , Zhang Jin-Lan , Sun Hua 
Published: December 2019

Abstract

Background
Previously, dihydroceramide (d18:0/24:0) (dhCer (d18:0/24:0)) was reported to be a potential biomarker for acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) prognosis. In this study, we further explored the role of dhCer (d18:0/24:0) in the progression of ACLF to validate the biomarker using ACLF rat model.

Methods
ACLF rats were sacrificed at 4 and 8 h post-D-galactosamine (D-gal)/lipopolysaccharide (LPS) administration to investigate the liver biochemical markers, prothrombin time and liver histopathology. Change in dhCer and other sphingolipids levels were investigated by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Rats were treated with N-(4-hydroxyphenyl) retinamide (4-HPR) to examine the mortality rate and its role in improving ACLF.

Results
LPS/D-gal administration resulted in significant elevation in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. Prothrombin time was prolonged and histopathological examination showed abnormality. HPLC-MS/MS results showed total dhCer levels in ACLF group (64.10 ± 8.90 pmol/100 μL, 64.22 ± 6.78 pmol/100 μL for 4 and 8 h, respectively) were decreased significantly compared with control group (121.61 ± 23.09 pmol/100 μL) (P < 0.05). In particular, dhCer (d18:0/24:0), dhCer (d18:0/20:0), and dhCer (d18:0/22:0) levels were decreased. Treatment with 4-HPR significantly increased the levels of dhCers, including dhCer (d18:0/24:0) compared with ACLF group, for the level of dhCer (d18:0/24:0) in 4-HPR group was 20.10 ± 8.60 pmol/100 μL and the level of dhCer (d18:0/24:0) in ACLF group was 9.74 ± 2.99 pmol/100 μL (P < 0.05). This was associated with reduced mortality rate and prolonged survival time. The ALT and AST in 4-HPR group were significantly decreased compared with ACLF group. The prothrombin time of 4-HPR group (41.49 s) was significantly lower than the prothrombin time of ACLF group (57.96 s) (P < 0.05). 4-HPR also decreased plasma ammonia levels slightly, as the plasma ammonia levels in 4-HPR group and ACLF group were 207.37 ± 60.43, 209.15 ± 60.43 μmol/L, respectively. Further, 4-HPR treatment improved histopathological parameters.

Conclusions
DhCer, especially dhCer (d18:0/24:0), is involved in the progression of ACLF. Increasing the levels of dhCer can reduce the mortality rate of ACLF rats and alleviate liver injury.
Novel EIF5A-USP6 Gene Fusion in Nodular Fasciitis Associated With Unusual Pathologic Features: A Report of a Case and Review of the Literature
Authors: Lenz Jiri , Michal Michael , Svajdler Marian , Ptakova Nikola , Lenz David , Konecna Petra , Kavka Miroslav 
Published: December 2019

Abstract:
Nodular fasciitis (NF) is a benign self-limiting soft tissue lesion that has long been considered a reactive process. Recently, however, the USP6 gene rearrangement has been discovered, and the neoplastic nature of this tumor was suggested. Since then, many fusion partners of the USP6 gene have been reported, with the MYH9 gene as the most common. In this article, we describe a case of NF with a novel EIF5A-USP6 gene fusion associated with unusual pathological features. A 41-year-old healthy woman with a painful, rapidly growing subcutaneous mass on the left forearm with a size of 0.8 cm is presented. A soft tissue fragment measuring 1 cm was surgically excised. Owing to positive surgical margins, re-excision was performed, yielding another 2-cm fragment. The lesion was extensively histologically investigated. Immunohistochemical and molecular–genetic analysis, namely fluorescence in situ hybridization, next-generation sequencing, and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, were also performed. Histology revealed a dermally located, mitotically active myofibroblastic proliferation with myxoid areas that ulcerated the overlying epidermis. One atypical mitotic figure was also found. The lesion showed positive immunohistochemical staining with smooth muscle actin, whereas S100 protein and CD34 stains were negative. Using fluorescence in situ hybridization, the USP6 gene rearrangement was detected and subsequent analysis using the Archer fusionPlex Sarcoma kit revealed a novel EIF5A-USP6 gene fusion. In the appropriate clinicopathological context, the detection of USP6 gene rearrangement is extremely useful when diagnosing NF, significantly reducing the risk of misdiagnosis and inappropriate overtreatment.
Circulating Complement C3-Alpha Chain Levels Predict Survival of Septic Shock Patients
Authors: Cheng Tzu Hsuan , Puskarich Michael , Li Xiang , Fang Zhou , Xu Fou , Chen Yong , Jiang Xian-Cheng , Worah Samrat , Jones Alan E. , Zhang Ming 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT

Background:
Circulating complement C3 fragments released during septic shock might contribute to the development of complications such as profound hypotension and disseminated intravascular coagulation. The role of C3 in the course of septic shock varies in the literature, possibly because circulating C3 exists in different forms indistinguishable via traditional ELISA-based methods. We sought to test the relationship between C3 forms, measured by Western blotting with its associated protein size differentiation feature, and clinical outcomes.

Methods:
Secondary analysis of two prospective cohorts of patients with septic shock: a discovery cohort of 24 patents and a validation cohort of 181 patients. C3 levels were measured by Western blotting in both cohorts using blood obtained at enrollment. Differences between survivors and non-survivors were compared, and the independent prognostic values of C3 forms were assessed.

Results:
In both cohorts there were significantly lower levels of the C3-alpha chain in non-survivors than in survivors, and persisted after controlling for sequential organ failure assessment score. Area under the receiver operating characteristics to predict survival was 0.65 (95% confidence interval: 0.56–0.75). At a best cutoff value (Youden) of 970.6 μg/mL, the test demonstrated a sensitivity of 68.5% and specificity of 61.5%. At this cutoff point, Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed that patients with lower levels of C3-alpha chain had significantly lower survival than those with higher levels (P < 0.001).

Conclusion:
Circulating C3-alpha chain levels is a significant independent predictor of survival in septic shock patients.
Endotoxin Removal in Septic Shock with the Alteco LPS Adsorber Was Safe But Showed no Benefit Compared to Placebo in the Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial—the Asset Study
Authors: Lipcsey Miklos , Tenhunen Jyrki , Pischke Soeren E. , Kuitunen Anne , Flaatten Hans , De Geer Lina , Sjölin Jan , Frithiof Robert , Chew Michelle S. , Bendel Stepani , Kawati Rafael , Larsson Anders , Mollnes Tom Eirik , Tønnessen Tor Inge , Rubertsson Sten 
Published: December 2019

ABSTRACT

Purpose:
Lipopolysaccharides (LPS) are presumed to contribute to the inflammatory response in sepsis. We investigated if extracorporeal Alteco LPS Adsorber for LPS removal in early gram-negative septic shock was feasible and safe. Also, effects on endotoxin level, inflammatory response, and organ function were assessed.

Methods:
A pilot, double-blinded, randomized, Phase IIa, feasibility clinical investigation was undertaken in six Scandinavian intensive care units aiming to allocate 32 septic shock patients with abdominal or urogenital focus on LPS Adsorber therapy or a Sham Adsorber, therapy without active LPS binding. The study treatment was initiated within 12 h of inclusion and given for 6 h daily on first 2 days. LPS was measured in all patients.

Results:
The investigation was terminated after 527 days with eight patients included in the LPS Adsorber group and seven in the Sham group. Twenty-one adverse effects, judged not to be related to the device, were reported in three patients in the LPS Adsorber group and two in the Sham group. Two patients in the Sham group and no patients in the LPS Adsorber group died within 28 days. Plasma LPS levels were low without groups differences during or after adsorber therapy. The changes in inflammatory markers and organ function were similar in the groups.

Conclusions:
In a small cohort of patients with presumed gram-negative septic shock, levels of circulating endotoxin were low and no adverse effects within 28 days after LPS adsorber-treatment were observed. No benefit compared with a sham device was seen when using a LPS adsorber in addition to standard care.

Trial registration:
Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02335723. Registered: November 28, 2014.