bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pulmonary function in children and adolescents after esophageal atresia repair
Authors: Donoso Felipe , Hedenström Hans , Malinovschi Andrei , E. Lilja Helene 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIntroductionRespiratory morbidity after esophageal atresia (EA) is common. The aims of this study were to assess pulmonary function, to identify risk factors for pulmonary function impairment (PFI), and to investigate the relations between respiratory morbidity, defined as medical treatment for respiratory symptoms or recent pneumonia and PFI after EA repair.Material and MethodsSingle center retrospective observational study including patients with EA who participated in the follow‐up program for 8‐ or 15‐year old patients from 2014 to 2018 and performed pulmonary function testing by body plethysmography, dynamic spirometry, impulse oscillometry, and diffusing capacity of the lungs. Univariate and multiple stepwise logistic regression with PFI as outcome were performed. Anastomotic leak, episodes of general anesthesia, extubation day, birth weight, age at follow up, gross classification, and abnormal reflux index were independent variables.ResultsIn total, 47 patients were included. PFI was found in 19 patients (41%) and 16 out of 19 patients (84%) had an obstructive pattern. Respiratory morbidity was found in 23 (52%, NA = 3) of the patients with no correlation to PFI. Birth weight, age at follow‐up, and episodes of general anesthesia were identified as risk factors for PFI.ConclusionRespiratory morbidity and PFI were common in children and adolescents after EA repair. The major component of PFI was obstruction of the airways. The risk for PFI increased with lower birth weight and older age at follow up. The poor correlation between respiratory morbidity and PFI motivates the need of clinical follow up including pulmonary function tests.
Efficient Synthesis of Fused and Bridged Cyclic Pyrrolo[3,4‐a]carbazoles via NH4I Promoted Three‐component Reaction
Authors: Wang Da‐Qian , Sun Jing , Yan Chao‐Guo 
Published: September 2019

AbstractNH4I promoted three‐component reaction of indoles, cyclic ketones and maleimides in toluene at 140 °C afforded polysubstituted cyclic fused pyrrolo[3,4‐a]carbazoles in good yields. The reaction mechanism included sequential Lewis acid catalyzed 3‐alkenylation of indole, Diels‐Alder reaction and aromatization process. More importantly, the similar NH4I promoted reaction of indoles and acetophenones with two molecules of maleimides in refluxing toluene resulted in the complex tetrahydro‐4,10a‐[3,4]epipyrrolopyrrolo[3,4‐a]carbazoles in satisfactory yields via double Diels‐Alder reaction. On the other hand, tetrahydropyrrolo[3,4‐a]carbazoles can be easily prepared in high yields by conc. HCl catalyzed three‐component reaction of indole and acetophenone and one molecules of maleimide in refluxing ethanol.
Effect of Ionothermal Synthesis on the Acidity and Catalytic Performance of a SAPO‐5 Molecular Sieve
Authors: Feng Jie , Guo Lulu , Wang Zheng , Wang Baishun , Wang Jianfeng , Lu Tianliang , Xu Jun , Zhan Yuzhong , Rawal Aditya , Zhao Chuan , Han Li 
Published: September 2019

AbstractSAPO‐5 molecular sieves (E‐SAPO‐5) were synthesized ionothermally in 1‐ethyl‐2,3‐dimethylimidazolium bromides ([EMMIM]Br) ionic liquid (IL). The samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N2 isothermal adsorption‐desorptionand, temperature‐programmed desorption of ammonia (NH3‐TPD) and fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy. Moreover, the catalytic performances of the samples in the methanol conversion reaction were investigated. Relative to the hydrothermal method, ionothermal synthesis favored the formation of large silica islands mainly by the SM3 substitution mechanism and decreased the B acid sites and the strong acid and total acid amounts of E‐SAPO‐5, which significantly influenced the distribution of the products in the methanol conversion reaction. Methanol underwent the methanol‐to‐dimethyl‐ether (MTD) reaction and methanol‐to‐olefin (MTO) reaction over the E‐SAPO‐5 and hydrothermally synthesized SAPO‐5, respectively. E‐SAPO‐5 exhibited high MTD activity at the high temperature of 450 °C with methanol conversion of 100% and dimethyl ether (DME) selectivity of 86.6%.
Metal‐Organic Framework Derived Ge/TiO2@C Nanotablets as High‐Performance Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yao Tianhao , Wang Hongkang , Wang Jinkai , Liu Ting , Li Chao , Han Xiaogang , Cheng Yonghong 
Published: September 2019

AbstractTitanium dioxide (TiO2) is a promising anode for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) due to its long lifespan and high rate capability, arising from its excellent structural stability upon lithium intercalation‐deintercalation, but suffers from low conductivity and diffusivity. In contrast, germanium (Ge) possesses high specific theoretical capacity (1600 mA h g−1) as well as high electrical conductivity and high Li+ diffusivity, but the large volume changes upon cycling and the high price still impede its practical application. Herein, with the objective to overcome the drawbacks of TiO2‐based anode materials, Ge/TiO2@C nanotablets with a small amount of Ge content are successfully prepared by annealing C4H12GeO4/MIL‐125 mixtures in Ar/H2 atmosphere. Benefiting from the well‐dispersion of Ge nanoparticles within the TiO2@C matrices, the composites exhibit superior electrochemical performance when examined as a LIB anode material, delivering high reversible capacities of 502/258 mA h g−1 after 200/500 cycles at current densities of 200/500 mA g−1, respectively. Notably, the Ge/TiO2@C shows enhanced surface/pore features and demonstrates improved conductivity, lithium diffusion and specific capacities, owing to the introduction of Ge component.
The Development of Small Molecule Inhibitors of Glutaminyl Cyclase and Isoglutaminyl Cyclase for Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Xu Ana , He Feng , Yu Chenggong , Qu Ying , Zhang Qiuqiong , Lv Jiahui , Zhang Xiangna , Ran Yingying , Wei Chao , Wu Jingde 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD), a common form of dementia, is a progressive neurodegenerative disease and one of the leading causes of death in the elderly worldwide. The exact underlying pathogenesis of AD remains elusive because of its complexity and involvement of multiple factors. Glutaminyl cyclase (QC) and isoGlutaminyl cyclase (isoQC) belong to the family of the metalloenzymes and catalyze the intramolecular cyclization of N‐terminal L‐glutamine/glutamate residues of certain proteins into pyroglutamic acid (pGlu). The amyloid protein and the monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP‐1) also known as CCL2 that promotes a cascade of inflammation‐related responses are two representative substrates. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that the pyroglutamated Aβ and CCL2 exhibit more severe neurotoxicity than normal Aβ and CCL2. Thus, QC represents one of the attractive targets to develop novel treatments for AD. In this review the recent development of QC inhibitors as anti‐AD agents will be summarized.
Porous Carbon Nanofiber/Carbon Black Composite as Promising Support for Platinum Catalyst to Enhance Oxygen Reduction Reaction in PEMFC
Authors: Mao Linchang , Shan Chun , Fu Kang , Jin Junhong , Yang Shenglin , Li Guang 
Published: September 2019

AbstractPorous carbon nanofiber (PCNF) was collaborated with carbon black (CB) to act as composite support (PCNF‐CB) to prepare platinum (Pt) catalyst (Pt/PCNF‐CB) by means of ethylene glycol reduction method. The electrocatalytic activity and stability of Pt/PCNF‐CB and the reference commercial Pt/C catalyst were investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). Among CB content of 20 wt% to 50 wt%, Pt/PCNF‐CB‐30% shows not only better catalytic activity in terms of onset potential and mass activity (MA), but also more durable than Pt/C. After 2000 accelerated potential cycles, Pt/PCNF‐CB‐30% exhibits 68% retention of electrochemical active surface area (ECSA) and 24 mV loss in half‐wave potential, while Pt/C gives 43% retention of ECSA and 94 mV loss in half‐wave potential. Significantly, the single cell performance confirmed that the MEA composed of Pt/PCNF‐CB‐30% as cathode catalyst reveals almost twice maximum power density than that composed of Pt/C catalyst.
On‐Chip Generation of Vortical Flows for Microfluidic Centrifugation
Authors: Ahmed Heba , Ramesan Shwathy , Lee Lillian , Rezk Amgad R. , Yeo Leslie Y. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMicrocentrifugation constitutes an important part of the microfluidic toolkit in a similar way that centrifugation is crucial to many macroscopic procedures, given that micromixing, sample preconcentration, particle separation, component fractionation, and cell agglomeration are essential operations in small scale processes. Yet, the dominance of capillary and viscous effects, which typically tend to retard flow, over inertial and gravitational forces, which are often useful for actuating flows and hence centrifugation, at microscopic scales makes it difficult to generate rotational flows at these dimensions, let alone with sufficient vorticity to support efficient mixing, separation, concentration, or aggregation. Herein, the various technologies—both passive and active—that have been developed to date for vortex generation in microfluidic devices are reviewed. Various advantages or limitations associated with each are outlined, in addition to highlighting the challenges that need to be overcome for their incorporation into integrated microfluidic devices.
Recent Progress of Microfluidic Devices for Hemodialysis
Authors: Luo Jing , Fan Jun‐Bing , Wang Shutao 
Published: September 2019

AbstractMicrofluidic hemodialysis techniques have recently attracted great attention in the treatment of kidney disease due to their advantages of portability and wearability as well as their great potential for replacing clinical hospital‐centered blood purification with continuous in‐home hemodialysis. This Review summarizes the recent progress in microfluidic devices for hemodialysis. First, the history of kidney‐inspired hemodialysis is introduced. Then, recent achievements in the preparation of microfluidic devices and hemodialysis nanoporous membrane materials are presented and categorized. Subsequently, attention is drawn to the recent progress of nanoporous membrane‐based microfluidic devices for hemodialysis. Finally, the challenges and opportunities of hemodialysis microfluidic devices in the future are also discussed. This Review is expected to provide a comprehensive guide for the design of hemodialysis microfluidic devices that are closely related to clinical applications.
Systematics, preservation and biogeography of radiodonts from the southern Great Basin, USA, during the upper Dyeran (Cambrian Series 2, Stage 4)
Authors: Pates Stephen , Daley Allison C. , Edgecombe Gregory D. , Cong Peiyun , Lieberman Bruce S. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAnomalocaris, the most well‐known genus of the diverse stem euarthropod group Radiodonta, was first reported over 100 years ago from the Burgess Shale (Canada). This large Cambrian apex predator was later treated as occurring in the southern Great Basin (California and Nevada, USA). We re‐evaluate the systematic affinities of previously described material from the Pioche Formation, Nevada, and the Latham Shale, California, and describe the first radiodonts from the Pyramid Shale Member, Carrara Formation, California. Latham Shale (Cambrian Series 2, Stage 4, upper Dyeran) specimens previously assigned to Anomalocaris are reinterpreted as Ramskoeldia consimilis?, an amplectobeluid previously known only from the Chengjiang biota (Cambrian Series 2, Stage 3). Younger material from the Pioche and Carrara Formations (Series 2, Stage 4) is described as a new Anomalocaris species, A. magnabasis. This new species sheds light on the two‐part structure of Anomalocaris ventral endites, a potentially important character for distinguishing species, and reveals a sequence of five disarticulation stages for frontal appendages. The oldest Hurdia from Laurentia is also reported from the Pioche Formation (Cambrian Series 2, Stage 4). A changeover in taxonomic composition of the Radiodonta in the southern Great Basin is recognized: Anomalocaris replaces Ramskoeldia in the upper Dyeran, but it is not associated with a replacement of local olenelloid trilobites or seen in radiodonts elsewhere in Laurentia. These new data, combined with a summary of known radiodont occurrences, suggest that Anomalocaris species did not have large geographical distributions, when compared with other radiodonts such as Hurdia and Caryosyntrips.
Functional Properties of Acid‐Thinned Potato Starch: Impact of Modification, Molecular Starch Characteristics, and Solution Preparation
Authors: Ulbrich Marco , Flöter Eckhard 
Published: September 2019

AbstractA matrix of 27 acid‐thinned (AT) potato starch (PS) samples is prepared in a laboratory scale in slurry by gradation of the process parameters temperature (30, 40, and 50 °C), acid concentration (0.3, 0.6, and 0.9 m HCl) and time (4, 10, and 20 h), and is investigated in terms of functional properties (range of molar mass [Mw] between 17.7 × 106 and 1.95 × 104 g mol−1). The solubility (S) increased basically with a higher degree of molecular degradation and disintegration temperature, and the viscosity decreased systematically with decreasing Mw and increasing disintegration temperature. The existence of a specific Mw range of the starch to achieve highest gel strength is proved. However, an impact of the molecular properties on the light transmittance (Tgel) can be excluded, since all starch gels are opaque. A correlation between the strength and the specific non‐freezable bound water content (wnf) of the gels is found. High gel strength is accompanied by comparatively low wnf. In particular, the viscosity (processing) and the gel strength (final product characteristic), which are important technofunctional properties for the industrial application of AT starches, are found to be directly correlated to the Mw of the starch product. Moreover, the latter is controllable by the hydrolysis process parameters.
Improved Internship Practices as a Result of Collaborative Curriculum Design
Authors: Akomaning Edward 
Published: September 2019

AbstractGhanaian polytechnics were designed to equip students with competencies that make them readily employable or allow them to set up their own businesses. In order to fulfill this mission, the studies reported in this chapter aimed to improve internship practices at the Departments of Hotel Catering and Institution Management of Tamale and Takoradi Polytechnics by engaging teachers in the collaborative design of curriculum materials used in student internships. Results revealed that teachers appreciated being involved in collaborative curriculum design, but some regretted not being able to supervise students during their internships. Internship practices improved and interns received the cooperation of industry. Moreover, self-assessment reports reveal that interns improved their competencies significantly compared to those students who did not go through internships.
Classic Design of Curriculum Innovations: Investigation of Teacher Involvement in Research, Development, and Diffusion
Authors: Pareja Roblin Natalie , McKenney Susan 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThis chapter examines the Research, Development, and Diffusion (RD&D) model, which for many years has dominated how research is used to inform the design of (large-scale) curriculum innovations. Specifically, we report a study that aimed to ascertain how research and practice relationships are shaped in RD&D projects, with a particular focus on teachers’ involvement and roles in the curriculum design process. From the larger literature concerned with the design of research-based curriculum innovations, we selected and analyzed nine projects featuring key characteristics of the RD&D model. Our findings confirmed that the RD&D model lives up to its potential to promote active utilization of research to inform the design of curriculum innovations. All projects analyzed reported the use of scientific research literature and findings from systematic evaluation studies as main sources of knowledge informing the curriculum design. Furthermore, and in strong contrast to the criticisms of the model, results indicate increased attention to the context and active involvement of teachers in the design process. Overall, this study inspires novel ways of thinking about the core RD&D assumptions and provides specific examples of how to actively involve teachers in fruitful research, development, and diffusion processes.
Culturally Sensitive Curriculum Development
Authors: Gervedink Nijhuis Chantal 
Published: September 2019

AbstractTo assure high quality education in developing countries, curriculum development efforts are often initiated as part of international cooperation projects. Culture affects the educational context of the countries involved as well as the ways in which curriculum developers from different countries are used to working and behaving. Therefore, the influences of culture on curriculum development cannot be neglected. The study described in this chapter aimed to shed light on cultural factors influencing curriculum development processes. This study took place in the context of an international educational cooperation programme that involved project partners from Ghana and The Netherlands. Specifically, the project studied concerned the development and implementation of a professional development programme for Heads of Department of polytechnics in Ghana. In the chapter, a conceptual framework is first developed and cultural challenges affecting the development, implementation and sustainability of the professional development programme are investigated. Next, the findings are compared with similar international cooperation projects to substantiate the outcomes. As this study reinforced and strengthened the importance of accounting for culture, this chapter also provides guidelines and recommendations for culturally sensitive curriculum development in the context of international cooperation.
Robotic Side‐to‐Side and End‐to‐Side Stapled Esophagogastric Anastomosis of Ivor Lewis Esophagectomy for Cancer
Authors: Zhang Hanlu , Wang Zihao , Zheng Yu , Geng Yingcai , Wang Fuqiang , Chen Long‐Qi , Wang Yun 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBackgroundBoth linear‐stapled side‐to‐side esophagogastric anastomosis (LSEA) and circular‐stapled end‐to‐side esophagogastric anastomosis (CEEA) are frequently used following esophagectomy. The aims of the present study were to review our experience of robotic intrathoracic alimentary tract reconstruction and to compare the short‐term surgical outcomes of LSEA and CEEA in robotic Ivor Lewis esophagectomy.MethodsA prospectively collected dataset from 79 consecutive patients who underwent robot‐assisted Ivor Lewis esophagectomy from February 2016 to December 2018 was retrospectively analyzed. Two groups (LSEA and CEEA) were classified according to the anastomotic mode. Demographic data, intraoperative characteristics and short‐term surgical outcomes were compared between the two groups.ResultsTwo patients were converted to laparotomy. The remaining 77 patients (68 males and 9 females, mean age of 61.7 years) were successfully treated with completely robotic Ivor Lewis esophagectomy. According to the anastomotic procedure performed, 35 patients were categorized into the LSEA group and 42 patients were categorized into the CEEA group. The mean anastomotic time in the LSEA group was longer than that in the CEEA group (63.0 ± 9.0 vs. 44.2 ± 8.5 min, p < 0.001). No significant difference was detected in anastomotic complications, including leakage (8.6% with LSEA and 4.8% with CEEA, p = 0.83) and postoperative dysphagia (5.7% with LSEA and 16.7% with CEEA, p = 0.26). No statistical difference was observed for the other surgical outcomes. There was no incidence of in‐hospital mortality and 30‐day mortality in both groups.ConclusionsIn robotic Ivor Lewis esophagectomy, both LSEA and CEEA were feasible and safe to be performed and surgeons can select either LSEA or CEEA based on their own technical expertise.
Integrated Assessment of Natural Hazards, Including Climate Change’s Influences, for Cultural Heritage Sites: The Case of the Historic Centre of Rethymno in Greece
Authors: Ravankhah Mohammad , de Wit Rosmarie , Argyriou Athanasios V. , Chliaoutakis Angelos , Revez Maria João , Birkmann Joern , Žuvela-Aloise Maja , Sarris Apostolos , Tzigounaki Anastasia , Giapitsoglou Kostas 
Published: September 2019

AbstractWithin the framework of disaster risk management, this article proposes an interdisciplinary method for the analysis of multiple natural hazards, including climate change’s influences, in the context of cultural heritage. A taxonomy of natural hazards applicable to cultural heritage was developed based on the existing theoretical and conceptual frameworks. Sudden-onset hazards, such as earthquakes and floods, and slow-onset hazards, such as wetting–drying cycles and biological contamination, were incorporated into the hazard assessment procedure. Future alteration of conditions due to climate change, such as change in heat waves’ duration, was also taken into account. The proposed hazard assessment framework was applied to the case of the Historic Centre of Rethymno, a city on the northern coast of the island of Crete in Greece, to identify, analyze, and prioritize the hazards that have the potential to cause damage to the center’s historic structures. The assessment procedure includes climate model projections, GIS spatial modeling and mapping, and finally a hazard analysis matrix to enable the sharing of a better understanding of multiple hazards with the stakeholders. The results can facilitate decision making by providing the vulnerability and risk analysis with the nature and spatial distribution of the significant hazards within the study area and its setting.
Effect of plasma oxidation parameters on physical properties of nanocrystalline nickel oxide thin films grown by two-step method: DC sputtering and plasma oxidation
Authors: Hajakbari F. , Rashvand S. , Hojabri A. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Nanocrystalline nickel oxide (NiO) thin films were successfully grown on quartz substrates by two-step method. In the first step, nickel films were deposited on quartz substrates by DC magnetron sputtering technique. Then, the plasma oxidation of nickel films was used for preparation of nickel oxide. The effect of DC plasma power and treatment time on the structural, morphological and optical properties of the NiO films were investigated by different analyses. XRD results indicated that the plasma powers effectively influenced the structure of films, and the best crystallinity was obtained for plasma power of 15 w and treatment time of 20 min. The XPS, RBS and EDS analysis confirmed the presence of Ni and O elements. The FESEM and AFM images showed a granular structure with spherical shapes of grains. The optical band gap of the films synthesized under different plasma oxidation conditions was also discussed.