bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of molar concentration effect on structural, optical, electrical, and photovoltaic properties of spray‐coated Cu2O thin films
Authors: David Prabu R. , Valanarasu S. , Ganesh V. , Shkir Mohd , AlFaify S. , Kathalingam A. 
Published: January 2018

High quality copper oxide thin films were prepared by nebulizer spray pyrolysis technique using different concentrations of copper precursor solution. Concentration‐dependent structural, morphological, optical, and electrical properties of the prepared films are discussed. X‐ray diffraction studies done for the samples confirmed that the deposited films are in Cu2O phase with polycrystalline cubic structure. Atomic force microscopy analysis revealed that all the films are composed of nano sheet shaped grains covering the substrate surface. Optical studies done on the samples showed band gap values 2.42, 2.31, and 2.02 eV for the solution concentration 0.01, 0.05, and 0.1 M, respectively. Photoluminescence spectral analysis showed the emission band at 620 nm confirming the formation of cuprous oxide. Electrical analysis of the films showed p‐type conductivity with a low resistivity 2.19 × 102 Ω.cm and high carrier concentration 16.76 × 10 15 cm−3 for the molar concentration 0.1 M. In this work, Cu2O/ZnO heterojunctions were also prepared, and solar cell properties were studied; they were found to show increased open circuit voltage and short circuit current for higher copper concentration.
ERBB3-Binding Protein 1 (EBP1) Is a Novel Developmental Pluripotency-Associated-4 (DPPA4) Cofactor in Human Pluripotent Cells
Authors: Somanath Priyanka , Bush Kelly M. , Knoepfler Paul S. 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Developmental Pluripotency-Associated-4 (DPPA4) is one of the few core pluripotency genes lacking clearly defined molecular and cellular functions. Here, we used a proteomics screening approach of human embryonic stem cell (hESC) nuclear extract to determine DPPA4 molecular functions through identification of novel cofactors. Unexpectedly, the signaling molecule ERBB3-binding protein 1 (EBP1) was the strongest candidate binding partner for DPPA4 in hESC. EBP1 is a growth factor signaling mediator present in two isoforms, p48 and p42. The two isoforms generally have opposing functions, however their roles in pluripotent cells have not been established. We found that DPPA4 preferentially binds p48 in pluripotent and NTERA-2 cells, but this interaction is largely absent in non-pluripotent cells and is reduced with differentiation. The DPPA4–EBP1 interaction is mediated at least in part in DPPA4 by the highly conserved SAF-A/B, Acinus and PIAS (SAP) domain. Functionally, we found that DPPA4 transcriptional repressive function in reporter assays is significantly increased by specific p48 knockdown, an effect that was abolished with an interaction-deficient DPPA4 ΔSAP mutant. Thus, DPPA4 and EBP1 may cooperate in transcriptional functions through their physical association in a pluripotent cell specific context. Our study identifies EBP1 as a novel pluripotency cofactor and provides insight into potential mechanisms used by DPPA4 in regulating pluripotency through its association with EBP1.
Poly(Lactide-Co-Glycolide)-Monomethoxy-Poly-(Polyethylene Glycol) Nanoparticles Loaded with Melatonin Protect Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Transplanted in Infarcted Heart Tissue
Authors: Ma Qiang , Yang Junjie , Huang Xu , Guo Weisheng , Li Sulei , Zhou Hao , Li Jingwei , Cao Feng , Chen Yundai 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Stem cell transplantation is a promising therapeutic strategy for myocardial infarction. However, transplanted cells face low survival rates due to oxidative stress and the inflammatory microenvironment in ischemic heart tissue. Melatonin has been used as a powerful endogenous antioxidant to protect cells from oxidative injury. However, melatonin cannot play a long-lasting effect against the hostile microenvironment. Nano drug delivery carriers have the ability to protect the loaded drug from degradation in physiological environments in a controlled manner, which results in longer effects and decreased side effects. Therefore, we constructed poly(lactide-co-glycolide)-monomethoxy-poly-(polyethylene glycol) (PLGA-mPEG) nanoparticles to encapsulate melatonin. We tested whether the protective effect of melatonin encapsulated by PLGA-mPEG nanoparticles (melatonin nanoparticles [Mel-NPs]) on adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) was enhanced compared to that of free melatonin both in vitro and in vivo. In the in vitro study, we found that Mel-NPs reduced formation of the p53- cyclophilin D complex, prevented mitochondrial permeability transition pores from opening, and rescued ADSCs from hypoxia/reoxygenation injury. Moreover, Mel-NPs can achieve higher ADSC survival rates than free melatonin in rat myocardial infarction areas, and the therapeutic effects of ADSCs pretreated with Mel-NPs were more apparent. Hence, the combination of Mel-NPs and stem cell transplantation may be a promising strategy for myocardial infarction therapy.
New improved metaheuristic approaches for optimum design of posttensioned axially symmetric cylindrical reinforced concrete walls
Authors: Bekdaş Gebrail 
Published: January 2018

SummaryTwo novel hybrid approaches are presented for optimum design of axially symmetric cylindrical walls subjected to posttensioning loads using metaheuristic algorithms such as harmony search (HS), flower pollination algorithm (FPA), and teaching learning based optimization (TLBO). The objective function of the optimization problem is to minimize the total cost of the wall subjected to constraints on the basis of sectional capacities (bending moment, shear force, and axial tension), ACI 318 (building code requirements for structural concrete) requirements and design variables such as wall thickness, compressive strength of concrete, location and intensities of posttensioning cables, size, and spacing of reinforcement. In the optimum design, the performance of the iterative population based metaheuristic algorithms, HS, FPA, and TLBO are compared and tested by taking wall thickness as discrete and continuous variable. In order to improve the efficiency on finding global optimum results, hybrid forms of the HS combined with FPA and TLBO are effective for the optimization problem.
Influence analysis of bracket set on seismic performance of steel eave columns in Chinese traditional style buildings
Authors: Xue Jianyang , Ma Linlin , Wu Zhanjing , Gao Weixin 
Published: January 2018

SummaryThis paper presents influence analysis of bracket set on seismic performance of steel eave columns in Chinese traditional style buildings. Eight 1/1.5‐scale steel eave columns were constructed and tested under low cyclic reversed loading, including 4 specimens with bracket set and 4 specimens without bracket set. Based on the analysis of the strain of the specimens, the failure modes of the specimens were obtained. In addition, the hysteresis loops, skeleton curves, degradations of stiffness and strength, ductility, and dissipation capacities of the specimens were analyzed. Bracket set changed the force transfer mechanisms and failure modes of the specimens and had a significant influence on the seismic performance of the specimens. Compared with the specimens without bracket set, the yielded and ultimate bearing capacities of the specimens with bracket set improved by 30.7% and 24.0%, respectively. And also, the stiffness of the specimens with bracket set at the yielded and ultimate points increased by 52.8% and 135.6%. The dissipation capacities of the specimens with bracket set were 2.12 times those of the specimens without bracket set at yielded load. However, the ductility of the specimens with bracket set slightly decreased by 8.5%. It was shown that the seismic performance of the specimens with bracket set was better than that of the specimens without bracket set. The work in this paper provides a basis for further theoretical study on the seismic performance of steel eave columns in Chinese traditional style buildings.
The paradox of canine conspecific coprophagy
Authors: Hart Benjamin L. , Hart Lynette A. , Thigpen Abigail P. , Tran Alisha , Bain Melissa J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractCanine conspecific coprophagy, the tendency or predisposition of some dogs to eat their own faeces or those of other dogs, seems paradoxical because dogs typically show an aversion to conspecific faeces. In an attempt to resolve this paradox, we set out to determine the factors associated with the occurrence of this behaviour and to evaluate the efficacy of 11 products marketed for treating coprophagy as well as behaviour modification procedures. Because a large sample of dogs was needed to address these issues, two web‐based surveys were utilized. One, intended to compare coprophagic dogs and non‐coprophagic dogs, yielded 1552 returns. The other, yielding 1475 usable returns, specifically recruited owners of coprophagic dogs to gather information about the characteristics of coprophagy and treatment success. The findings revealed that 16% of dogs sampled engaged in frequent conspecific coprophagy, defined as having been seen eating stools at least six times. No evidence was found relating the coprophagy to diet or the dog's age. Coprophagic dogs were as easily house trained as non‐coprophagic dogs, suggesting a normal aversion to faeces. Coprophagic dogs were more likely to be reported as greedy eaters than non‐coprophagic dogs. The reported success rate of the commercial products and behaviour modification approaches was close to zero, indicating that the behaviour is not readily changed. The coprophagy was overwhelmingly directed at fresh stools, defined as being no more than 2 days old. A hypothesis is offered that coprophagy reflects a tendency inherited from the ancestral wolf to keep the den area free of faecal‐borne intestinal parasites that might be deposited in the den resting area and would typically have parasite ova that are not initially infective, but could develop infective larvae after 2 days. An evolved parasite defence strategy to consume fresh faeces in the rest area would be adaptive.
Solvent Free Synthesis of PdZn/TiO2 Catalysts for the Hydrogenation of CO2 to Methanol
Authors: Bahruji Hasliza , Esquius Jonathan Ruiz , Bowker Michael , Hutchings Graham , Armstrong Robert D. , Jones Wilm 
Published: January 2018

AbstractCatalytic upgrading of CO2 to value-added chemicals is an important challenge within the chemical sciences. Of particular interest are catalysts which are both active and selective for the hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol. PdZn alloy nanoparticles supported on TiO2 via a solvent-free chemical vapour impregnation method are shown to be effective for this reaction. This synthesis technique is shown to minimise surface contaminants, which are detrimental to catalyst activity. The effect of reductive heat treatments on both structural properties of PdZn/TiO2 catalysts and rates of catalytic CO2 hydrogenation are investigated. PdZn nanoparticles formed upon reduction showed high stability towards particle sintering at high reduction temperature with average diameter of 3–6 nm to give 1710 mmol kg−1 h of methanol. Reductive treatment at high temperature results in the formation of ZnTiO3 as well as PdZn, and gives the highest methanol yield.
Rarefaction-driven Rayleigh–Taylor instability. Part 2. Experiments and simulations in the nonlinear regime
Authors: Morgan R. V. , Cabot W. H. , Greenough J. A. , Jacobs J. W. 
Published: January 2018

Experiments and large eddy simulation (LES) were performed to study the development of the Rayleigh–Taylor instability into the saturated, nonlinear regime, produced between two gases accelerated by a rarefaction wave. Single-mode two-dimensional, and single-mode three-dimensional initial perturbations were introduced on the diffuse interface between the two gases prior to acceleration. The rarefaction wave imparts a non-constant acceleration, and a time decreasing Atwood number, $A=(\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}_{2}-\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}_{1})/(\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}_{2}+\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}_{1})$, where $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}_{2}$ and $\unicode[STIX]{x1D70C}_{1}$ are the densities of the heavy and light gas, respectively. Experiments and simulations are presented for initial Atwood numbers of $A=0.49$, $A=0.63$, $A=0.82$ and $A=0.94$. Nominally two-dimensional (2-D) experiments (initiated with nearly 2-D perturbations) and 2-D simulations are observed to approach an intermediate-time velocity plateau that is in disagreement with the late-time velocity obtained from the incompressible model of Goncharov (Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 88, 2002, 134502). Reacceleration from an intermediate velocity is observed for 2-D bubbles in large wavenumber, $k=2\unicode[STIX]{x03C0}/\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}=0.247~\text{mm}^{-1}$, experiments and simulations, where $\unicode[STIX]{x1D706}$ is the wavelength of the initial perturbation. At moderate Atwood numbers, the bubble and spike velocities approach larger values than those predicted by Goncharov’s model. These late-time velocity trends are predicted well by numerical simulations using the LLNL Miranda code, and by the 2009 model of Mikaelian (Phys. Fluids., vol. 21, 2009, 024103) that extends Layzer type models to variable acceleration and density. Large Atwood number experiments show a delayed roll up, and exhibit a free-fall like behaviour. Finally, experiments initiated with three-dimensional perturbations tend to agree better with models and a simulation using the LLNL Ares code initiated with an axisymmetric rather than Cartesian symmetry.
The Transnational Mission of an Indian War Correspondent: P. R. S. Mani in Southeast Asia, 1944–1946
Authors: GOODALL HEATHER , FROST MARK RAVINDER 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis article, based on new archival materials, reconstructs the experiences and observations of an Indian war correspondent from 1944 to 1946 as he covered the advance of Indian soldiers of the British-led Indian Army from northeast India, through Burma to Malaya at the war's end, then to their eventual deployment with the South East Asian Command in Java after the Japanese surrender. As it transpired, Captain P. R. S. Mani worked as an enlisted public relations officer of the British-led Indian Army but also sustained his commitment as a patriotic Indian nationalist, who gathered intelligence on the Indian diaspora in Southeast Asia and on the impact of Subhas Chandra Bose's Indian National Army. Relatively little scholarship has focused on Asian war journalism. Mani's tension-ridden role as a self-styled ‘Indian Army observer’ provides an illuminating insight into the way in which Britain's lines of communication were appropriated and subverted during wartime and beyond, and into the way his own nationalism was reshaped by his unofficial transnational activities.
The Spectacle of Global Fascism: The Italian Blackshirt mission to Japan's Asian empire
Authors: HEDINGER DANIEL 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn the spring of 1938 a mission of the Italian Fascist Party journeyed to the Japanese empire, visiting China, Korea, Manchukuo, and Japan itself. Those were happy days for the Axis and, as such, characterized by a flood of shuttle visits and requests for cooperation between Italy, Japan, and Germany. As we explore the choreography of the visit and accompany the Italian Blackshirts on their two-month-long trip, two processes become clear. On the one hand, the presence of the Blackshirts in Japan helped place the nation's regional war with China in the broader context of worldwide conflicts. On the other hand, this trip assisted in firmly placing the new Axis alliance in the context of a pan-Asianist empire under Japanese control. This article suggests that both processes were linked and mutually enhancing of one another. At the same time they were part of a much more far-reaching phenomenon, namely the globalization of the Axis alliance. This, I will argue, was acted out on the stages provided by what is best described as the ‘spectacle of global fascism’. Of course, this spectacle proved to have its tensions and oddities. But as the focus on the performative aspects of the Italian-Japanese encounters shows, this novel form of fascist diplomacy was a way of handling contradictions within the alliance. At the same time, the spectacle served to strengthen it. In other words, seen through the lens of the Blackshirts’ mission, the Axis appears significantly stronger, diverse, and also more global than conventional diplomatic history has perceived it to be.
OP119 Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products: Are Current Health Technology Assessment Methods Suitable?
Authors: Hampson Grace , Towse Adrian 
Published: January 2018

INTRODUCTION:There is considerable excitement around the development of regenerative medicines (or advanced therapy medicinal products, ATMPs), with the expectation that they may bring substantial clinical gains and offer cures for previous debilitating and fatal diseases. However, high costs mean that Health Technology Assessment (HTA) and reimbursement decisions are challenging for payers and manufacturers, even when the therapies are expected to offer good value for money.In Europe, seven ATMPs have market authorization, yet only one has achieved national level reimbursement. Statistics such as these put HTA bodies under pressure to review their methods and consider how these can apply to regenerative medicines.METHODS:We present a review of one example, from the United Kingdom's National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), who commissioned an external organization to undertake a mock appraisal of a hypothetical ATMP using standard methods. The therapeutic area chosen for the mock appraisal was chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for treating relapsed or refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.RESULTS:The role of uncertainty was a key consideration within the report, yet we found that the presentation of uncertainty within the mock appraisal was misleading for decision makers.We found that the exercise represents a thorough mock HTA of CAR T-cell therapy. However, it focused on testing whether ATMPs could fit into the existing HTA pathway for conventional medicines, rather than seeking to identify the most suitable approach for assessing regenerative medicines. We suggest the latter would have been a more relevant question for the mock appraisal.CONCLUSIONS:Any significant departures from the usual HTA process must be based on solid economic rationale if we are to ensure efficient allocation of resources. Thus, in order for regenerative medicines to be given ‘special treatment,’ it must be demonstrated that societal preferences, or the full extent of health (or non-health) benefits, are not being realised for this group of treatments through existing HTA methods.
VP48 The Costs And Cost-Effectiveness Of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) Vaccination In Estonia
Authors: Võrno Triin , Reile Rainer , Närska Margit , Pehme Lea 
Published: January 2018

INTRODUCTION:Many countries that have used Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine against tuberculosis (TB) have switched from universal vaccination of infants and children to selective vaccination, or discontinued with vaccination at all. The aim of the study is to assess the costs and cost-effectiveness of BCG vaccination in Estonia.METHODS:A Markov cohort model and budget impact analysis were used to compare the current, universal BCG vaccination to selective and non-vaccination strategies. The epidemiological and economic impact of BCG vaccination were estimated for the period 2018–2032 following the hypothetical change in the vaccination policy in 2018. The results were presented as the cost per case of TB adverted, changes in the occurrence of TB and yearly (undiscounted) costs associated with vaccination and TB treatment.RESULTS:In a cohort of 13,500 infants over a time-period of 15 years Estonian universal BCG vaccination prevents around two TB cases compared to selective or non-vaccination strategies. The cost per one TB case averted for the universal strategy compared to non-vaccination strategy was EUR12,234 (EUR4,059–28,748 in sensitivity analysis) and compared to selective vaccination EUR3,847 (EUR504–10,568). The number of TB cases in 0–14-year old children in 2032 was estimated to be 1.3 for universal vaccination, 2.7 for selective and 2.9 for non-vaccination strategy. The total costs of vaccination and TB treatment in 2032 were estimated to be EUR23,764, EUR16,459 and EUR7,553 respectively.CONCLUSIONS:The cost per case of TB averted is dependent on vaccine efficacy, and is high compared with the cost of treating one case of TB. At the same time, the total costs of BCG vaccination and TB treatment are marginal compared to other vaccination programs used in Estonia. Despite the limited budget impact, several organizational challenges need to be addressed if the universal program is replaced with selective BCG vaccination.
VP78 Cross-Country Variation In Health Technology Assessment Preferences: An International Survey
Authors: Efthymiadou Olina , Kanavos Panos 
Published: January 2018

INTRODUCTION:Several studies have explored how Health Technology Assessment (HTA) processes, HTA submission requirements, perception and handling of uncertainties vary across different jurisdictions (1-3). However, no study has elicited HTA stakeholders’ preferences/priorities on criteria that shape coverage decisions across countries. We aimed to identify the extent to which preferences on criteria, uncertainties and other factors that shape HTA recommendations differ across countries.METHODS:HTA stakeholders in Brazil, England, France, Italy, Netherlands, Spain and Sweden were invited via email to complete a web-survey. A number of clinical, economic and other criteria (that is, rarity/orphan status and stakeholder input, among others) considered in HTAs, along with additional factors related to clinical evidence uncertainties, unmet need and innovative nature of treatment were ranked in terms of their importance on a 7-point Likert-scale. Responses were anonymised and analyzed using descriptive statistics.RESULTS:Responses were received from Brazil (n = 9), England (n = 7), France (n = 10), Italy (n = 6), Netherlands (n = 3), Spain (n = 3) and Sweden (n = 3). “Achievement of/Concerns around clinical benefit” was the only clinical criterion/uncertainty scoring equally important across countries (100 percent of respondents in each country). The requirement for/uncertainty around “Appropriate comparators” scored high in importance overall but was not consistent across countries, nor was the “Acceptability of surrogate rather than clinical endpoints”. Variation was seen in all economic criteria, apart from “Budget impact analysis” (equally important for more than 80 percent of respondents in each country). Greater differences were observed in the level of priority that innovation, disease severity and stakeholder input have towards HTA coverage decisions across countries.CONCLUSIONS:Although agreement was seen in preferences mostly for some of the clinical criteria and/or evidentiary requirements ranked, there were notable differences on countries' priorities for economic evidence criteria/uncertainties and the extent to which unmet need, disease burden and innovation are considered important towards HTA decision-making, possibly explaining differences in HTA recommendations.