Search

Stick-slip dynamics during nanoscratching is investigated for the Ni 62 Nb 38 metallic glass. Detrended fluctuation analysis is introduced to explore the influence of loading force on the temporal scaling and stick-slip behavior. The self-similar characteristics and complexity in the temporal scale of the lateral force signal are investigated. A modified Cauchy class model is used for the stochastic stick-slip process, which connects the fractal dimension and the Hurst exponent and features the positive correlation process. The confidence intervals of the differential friction coefficient at different loading forces elucidate the inhomogeneous (and homogeneous) shear-branching processes during the nanoscratching process.

An Al0.1CoCrFeNi high-entropy alloy (HEA) with a face-centered cubic structure in the as-cast and the recrystallized states is investigated. The mean grain size of the as-cast HEA is 14 times larger than that of the recrystallized HEA. The tension tests reveal that deformation twinning is the main mechanism dominating the plastic deformation of two HEAs. With a decrease in the grain size, twin spacing increases, and twin thickness decreases, which results in a low twinning activity. The twinning activity of the recrystallized HEA is strongly inhibited by grain refinement, which degrades the promotion of twinning on the strain-hardening ability and the tensile ductility.

The cracking behaviour of three medium-pore zeolites -SVR, ITH, and MFI, with varying Si/Al molar ratio, was evaluated using an equilibrium FCC catalyst (E-Cat) and a hydrotreated vacuum gasoil (VGO) in a microactivity test unit (MAT). The increase in the yield of light olefins (21–29 wt% over E-Cat/additive vs. 16 wt% over E-Cat) was accompanied by a drop in the yield of gasoline (26–39 wt% over E-Cat/additive vs. 43 wt% over E-Cat) due to the cracking of reactive species in gasoline fraction (mainly olefins and isoparaffins). With increasing Si/Al ratio in zeolites MFI-280 and –SVR-120, propylene yield passed through maxima reaching 13.5 wt% and 12.8 wt%, respectively, compared with 7.0 wt% over E-Cat. Maximum propylene yield occurred partially due to gasoline over-cracking to light olefins (inverse relation with Si/Al ratio). The effect of MFI crystal size showed that large size crystals enhanced the yield of light olefins as compared to small size crystals due to secondary cracking of gasoline molecules. Results of kinetic study based on 4-lump model showed proportional relation between MFI Si/Al ratio and activation energy for the conversion of gasoline to gases. Activation energy increased from 14.2 kcal/mol to 16.3 kcal/mol as Si/Al ratio increased from 30 to 2000.

A novel polymerizable surfactant (surfmer) based on nonyl phenol ethoxylate backbone and maleic anhydride was synthesized. The chemical structure of the surfmer was characterized by 13C, 1H nuclear magnetic resonance, and surface tension analyses. The surfmer was used in emulsion system of methyl methacrylate/butyl acrylate copolymer at different concentrations to explore its stabilization efficiency using seed emulsion polymerization technique. The result of thermogravimetric analysis showed that the incorporation of the surfmer retarded the decomposing of the polymer chain. The stability of the emulsion was enhanced by adding the surfmer, but the glass transition of the film was decreased dramatically.

The direct catalytic cracking of three light crude oils have been evaluated over an equilibrated FCC catalyst (E-Cat) blended with MFI zeolite in a microactivity test unit at 550 °C and catalyst/oil ratio between 1 to 4. At 60% conversion, the Super Light (ASL) crude oil yielded about 10 wt.% C2–C4 olefins and 60 wt.% naphtha over E-Cat, Extra Light (AXL) crude oil yielded 13 wt.% light olefins and 52 wt.% naphtha, while for Arab Light (AL) crude oil, light olefins and naphtha produced were 12 and 51 wt.%, respectively. The addition of MFI with varying Si/Al molar ratio (Z30, Z280 and Z1500) to E-Cat increased the yield of light olefins with a maximum at 21.3 wt.% for AXL over E-Cat/Z280. PIONA analysis of co-produced naphtha showed an increase in aromatics content over all additives with a maximum obtained from the cracking of AL over Z30 (91 wt.%). Steam treatment of Z280 led to a slight change in the yield of light olefins and reduction of naphtha aromatics for the three types of crude oils. A four-lump kinetic model accurately predicted experimental yields of AL cracking over E-Cat and E-Cat/Z280 between 500 °C and 550 °C. From the kinetic model, the apparent activation energy for the conversion of naphtha to gases decreased from 21.2 kcal/mol over E-Cat to 16.2 kcal/mol over E-Cat/Z280 which indicates that Z280 facilitated the increased cracking of naphtha-range species to light olefins

Purpose Stroke remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality in LVAD patients, with incidence upto to 22%. We hypothesized that certain LVAD cannula positions are associated with unfavourable flow patterns resulting in altered thrombogenicity, and therefore higher stroke risk. Methods We conducted a retrospective review of patients that underwent LVAD implantation at our institution from 2011 to 2016. All patients who underwent cardiac CT scan, were included. Patients with non-contrast CT scans, and poor quality imaging data were excluded. We studied imaging data from three modalities: X-ray, Echocardiography and cardiac CT. The primary outcome was defined as stroke within one year of LVAD implantation. Results A total of 78 patients were included in the study. The predominant device was HeartMate II (94.8%), there were three patients with HVAD and one patient with HeartMate III. Of these, 12 patients had stroke within one year of LVAD implantation: 10 were ischemic and 2 were hemorrhagic. Mean time to stroke was 108 days. There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to X-ray or Echocardiographic variables. The mean outflow cannula angle in the stroke group was 61.19 degrees, whereas that in the non-stroke cohort was 45.92 degrees. The mean diameter of outflow cannula anastomosis in the stroke group was 1.52 cm whereas that in the non-stroke group was 1.34 cm. Conclusion Our study was the first to show that LVAD outflow cannula angle and diameter of anastomosis are significantly associated with stroke risk. Therefore, optimization of surgical technique/ engineering methods may help mitigate stroke risk in LVAD patients.

Purpose There are conflicting reports on the effect of donor-recipient HLA-DR matching in heart transplantation. Studies have shown HLA-DR matching reduces the incidence of graft rejection within the first year and improves short term graft survival It is not known if HLA-DR matching impacts long term outcomes. We sought to analyze the effect of HLA-DR mismatch on long term survival, and also explain possible mechanisms. Methods All adult heart transplants performed at our institution from 2000 to 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. Multi-organs, patients who expired within the first year after transplant and those with missing data were excluded. Patients were grouped according to number of HLA-DR mismatches: 0, 1 or 2. We analyzed allograft function [using most recent ejection fraction (EF)], development of significant (ISHLT grade ≥2) cardiac allograft vasculopathy (CAV) and survival. ANOVA used for analysis. Kaplan-Meier survival curves generated. P value Results 172 heart transplant recipients were included in the analysis. HLA-DR mismatch status was as follows: 9 (5.2%) had 0, 63 (36.6%) had 1, and 100 (58.1%) had 2 mismatches. There were more men in the group with 2 mismatches (82% vs 74.6% vs 66.7%, P Conclusion In our cohort, HLA-DR mismatches did not influence graft function, development of and severity of angiographically significant CAV. There was no impact on long term patient survival. HLA-DR matching prior to heart transplant may not be justified given the increased cost and logistical burden of HLA matching and longer cold‐ischemic times that may result from reliance on tissue typing.

Background: Intra-aortic balloon pump as bridge-to-transplant (BTT) has been used successfully in patients with refractory cardiogenic shock. However, the waitlist mortality in this population is high and predictors of waitlist mortality in this population are not known. We sought to identify predictors for waitlist mortality in patients listed with intra-aortic balloon pump and risk factors for 1-year mortality after heart transplant in this population. Methods: We identified patients listed for heart transplantation with intra-aortic balloon pump in the United Network for Organ Sharing data set from 1994 to 2015. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were used to identify predictors of waitlist mortality and 1-year post-transplant mortality. Results: From 1945 patients listed with intra-aortic balloon pump, 67.5% (N = 1313) were alive at 1 year and waitlist mortality was 32.5% (N = 632). We found that higher pulmonary vascular resistance, need for inotropes, and need for mechanical ventilation were associated with higher waitlist mortality. Mechanical ventilation and dialysis prior to transplantation were important predictors of 1-year post-transplant mortality. Conclusion: Predictors of mortality such as high pulmonary vascular resistance, dialysis dependence, inotrope, and ventilator dependence in patients listed with intra-aortic balloon pump can help us identify those patients that are at high risk of dying prior to a heart transplantation.

In PARADIGM-HF, sacubitril/valsartan demonstrated superiority to enalapril in reducing mortality and morbidity in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Several patient-centred outcomes like improved physical activity and quality of life have been emphasised as important treatment goals in HF management. OUTSTEP-HF has been designed to evaluate the effect of sacubitril/valsartan compared with enalapril on non-sedentary daytime physical activity in patients with HFrEF.OUTSTEP-HF is a randomised, actively controlled, double-blind, double-dummy study that plans to enrol 600 ambulatory patients with symptomatic HFrEF in 19 European countries. Patients will be randomised 1:1 to receive sacubitril/valsartan 97/103 mg bid or enalapril 10 mg bid. The primary objective of the study is to assess changes from baseline (Week 0) to Week 12 in exercise capacity measured by the 6-min walk test and in daily non-sedentary daytime activity. Physical activity and objective sleep parameters will be measured by accelerometry using a wrist-worn device, worn continuously from screening (Week -2) until the end of study (Week 12). As a co-primary outcome, changes from baseline in sub-maximal exercise capacity will be assessed by the 6-min walk test. Patient- and physician-reported questionnaires will be used to assess quality of life, changes in signs and symptoms of HF and sleep parameters.OUTSTEP-HF will be the largest randomised trial in HF to date to use non-invasive accelerometry to assess whether treatment with sacubitril/valsartan improves patients' daily physical activity and exercise capacity compared with enalapril.

Allelopathy has become a paramount tool for controlling weeds in crop plants without deteriorating the environment. Allelopathic effects of sorghum aqueous extracts and sorghum powder on a single cross maize (Zea mays L.) hybrid “HC-8080” and a summer weed, jungle rice (Echinochloa colona L.) were assessed in the research laboratory of Agronomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, KPK, Pakistan. The treatments included: T1: control (untreated check), T2: sorghum aqueous extract at a rate of 5 mL kg-1 soil, T3: sorghum aqueous extract at a rate of 10 mL kg-1 soil, T4: sorghum aqueous extract at a rate of 15 mL kg-1 soil, T5: sorghum powder at a rate of 5 g kg-1 soil, T6: sorghum powder at a rate of 10 g kg-1 soil and T7: sorghum powder at a rate of 15 g kg-1 soil. The results unveiled that sorghum aqueous extract at a rate of 15 mL kg-1 soil was the most deleterious treatment which reduced the germination percentage (GP) in maize and E. colona by 23.57% and 47.03%, germination index (GI) by 22.30% and 42.14%, root length by 32.25% and 62.54% and shoot length by 23.22% and 62.76%, respectively over control. Similarly, 15 g kg-1 soil sorghum powder reduced the same parameters respectively by 18.85% and 41.09%, 15% and 33.53%, 9.3% and 54.69% and 15.88% and 45.34% in maize and E. colona, respectively and stood better than other powder treatments. Therefore it is concluded that sorghum extracts and powder can both be used to control weeds efficiently but their deleterious effect on the corresponding crop should also be an important consideration., RESUMO: A alelopatia tornou-se uma ferramenta primordial para o controle de plantas daninhas em plantas cultivadas sem deteriorar o meio ambiente. Os efeitos alelopáticos de extratos aquosos de sorgo e sorgo em pó em um único híbrido de milho (Zea mays L.), híbrido HC-8080, e um arbusto de verão (Echinochloa colona L.) foram avaliados no laboratório de pesquisa da Agronomia, Faculdade de Agricultura, Universidade Gomal, Dera Ismail Khan, KPK, Paquistão. Os tratamentos foram: T1: controle (testemunha não tratada); T2: extrato aquoso de sorgo com taxa de 5 mL kg-1 de solo; T3: extrato aquoso de sorgo com taxa de 10 mL kg-1 solo; T4: extrato aquoso de sorgo a com taxa de 15 mL kg-1 de solo; T5: sorgo em pó a com taxa de 5 g kg-1 de solo; T6: sorgo em pó a com taxa de 10 g kg-1 de solo; e T7: sorgo em pó a com taxa de 15 g kg-1 de solo. Os resultados revelaram que o extrato aquoso de sorgo com 15 mL kg-1 de solo foi o tratamento mais deletério, tendo reduzido a porcentagem de germinação (GP) em milho e E. colona em 23,57% e 47,03%, o índice de germinação (GI) em 22,30 % e 42,14%, o comprimento de raiz em 32,25% e 62,54% e o comprimento de parte aérea em 23,22% e 62,76%, respectivamente, em relação ao controle. Da mesma forma, 15 g kg-1 de sorgo em pó reduziram os mesmos parâmetros, em 18,85% e 41,09%, 15% e 33,53%, 9,3% e 54,69% e 15,88% e 45,34% em milho e E. colona, respectivamente, em relação aos outros tratamentos em pó. Portanto, conclui-se que extratos de sorgo em pó podem ser usados para controlar plantas daninhas eficientemente, porém seu efeito deletério na cultura correspondente também deve ser uma consideração importante.

In order to examine application of various herbicides for controlling weeds in wheat crop, a field trial was conducted at the Agronomic Research Area, Faculty of Agriculture, Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK) during the year 2015-2016. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with split-plot arrangements having three replications. The main plot was comprised application time of herbicides while the use of herbicides was assigned to sub-plots. The data revealed that most of the weed parameters, physiological traits and agronomic attributes of crop plants were significantly affected by weed management practices including the use of herbicides at different time intervals over the weedy check. Hand weeding technique excelled all other weed management practices in almost all the parameters studied. This technique was found to be the most effective treatment against all prevailing weeds and obtained the highest grain yield of wheat under climatic conditions of Dera Ismail Khan.

The abundance presence of CO2 released into the atmosphere has gained numerous consideration for an effective method to mitigate the CO2 build up and recycling the carbon resource. Among the catalytic reactions, the methanation of CO2 has been an indispensable reaction to transform toxic CO2 into methane which can be use as energy carrier or valuable chemical. The application of heterogeneous catalyst in CO2 methanation plays a significant role due to its effectiveness and stability which led to lower costs for large scale production. This article discussed the recent developments of silica based catalyst for CO2 methanation with emphasized on its physicochemical properties and catalytic performance. In summary, the nature of silica support material such as morphology, textural properties and nature of basicity has a great influence on its catalytic performance towards CO2 methanation.

Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder with worldwide prevalence that can affect multiple organ systems. It can be asymptomatic and subclinical or overtly symptomatic with a potential to get complicated by fatal pathologies. It is an established cause of pericardial effusion, which in turn can be complicated by cardiac tamponade and severe hemodynamic instability. Herein we report the case of a 68-year-old male with history of Graves' disease treated with radioiodine ablation and consequent hypothyroidism, presenting with moderate pericardial effusion.

A novel silver complex [Ag(C 12 H 9 O 5 ) 2 ] was synthesized by the reaction of silver salt (AgNO 3 )and coumarin based ligand (ethyl- 5 -hydroxy- 2 -oxo- 2H -Chromene- 3 -carboxylate) at room temperature. The synthesized complex was characterized by using different analytical techniques like melting point (mp), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) and mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Ligand showed activity with MIC 20 µg/mL, 15 µg/mL, 15 µg/mL for S. aurues , E. coli and S. typhi , respectively whereas MIC values of Ag-complex for above mentioned bacterial strains were found to be 15 µg/mL, 10 µg/mL, 10 µg/mL, respectively. Ligand could not inhibit the growth of B. Subtilis , P. auruginosa , MRSA but Ag-complex showed MIC 30 µg/mL, 25 µg/mL for B. Subtilis and P. auruginosa . It also remained ineffective against MRSA. KEY WORDS : Silver complex, Ethyl- 5 -hydroxy- 2 -oxo- 2H -Chromene- 3 -carboxylate, Antibacterial study Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2019 , 33(3), 467-474. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v33i3.7

This field study introduces a developed emulsion polymer for serving light and medium loading traffic. The polymer has a previous laboratory study that recommended its concentrations for mixing and coating. The polymer has been used to stabilize only a thin layer of a desert route with a thickness of 8 cm over a compacted sandy layer of 22 cm. The measurements conducted on the stabilized soil showed that the reaction modulus increased by 411%. The compressive strength increased and the water absorption decreased with the increase of stabilization curing period up to 28 days. The California bearing ratio increased by 425%, while it decreased after submerging in water for 4 days and lost 25% of its achieved value. The field investigation revealed that the light and medium loading vehicles up to 22 tons did not cause any damage in the stabilized layer during moving. However, the vehicle of 22 tons caused little damage with an impact load on the thin paved layer. It is concluded that the used stabilizer polymer can serve the light and medium loading traffic with a thicker layer section and improving the quality assurance of implementation., {"references":["BCR Gary Hicks, RL McHattie (2014), \"Soil Stabilization Manual 2014 Update\", Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities, Alaska University Transportation Center, Volume 60392, Issue 4000096.","AE, OH MS Ouf (2012), \"AI-Based Approach for Optimum Soil Stabilization\", J. Am. Sci., Volume 8, Issue 12, pp. 138–145.","J Liu et al. (2018), \"Laboratory Tests on Effectiveness of Environment-Friendly Organic Polymer on Physical Properties of Sand\", Int. J. Polym. Sci.","G Ma, F Ran, E Feng, Z Dong, Z Lei (2015), \"Effectiveness of an Eco-friendly Polymer Composite Sand-Fixing Agent on Sand Fixation\", Water. Air. Soil Pollut., Volume 226, Issue 7, id 221.","S BS Sepehr Rezaeimalek, Jie Huang (2017), \"Mixing Methods Evaluation of a Styrene-Acrylic Based Liquid Polymer for Sand and Clay Stabilization\", International Conference on Transportation Infrastructure and Materials (ICTIM 2017).","A Al-Khanbashi, SW Abdalla (2006), \"Evaluation of three waterborne polymers as stabilizers for sandy soil\", Geotech. Geol. Eng., Volume 24, Issue 6, pp. 1603–1625.","AESI Ahmed, AI Hussain, AM El-Masry, A Saleh (2015), \"Effect of changing mass ratio of styrene/butyl acrylate on the behavior of nano organo-silica in poly (styrene-co-butyl acrylate) emulsion core-shell\", ARPN J. Eng. Appl. Sci., Volume 10, Issue 14, pp. 6127–6134.","AASHTO T 27-14 (2015), \"Standard Method of Test for Sieve Analysis of Fine and Coarse Aggregates\", Thirty-Fifth ed, Standard Specifications for Transportation Materials and Methods of Sampling and Testing, pp. T 27-1−T 27-8.","AASHTO T89 - 13 (2015), \"AASHTO T 89-13 Standard Method of Test for Determining the Liquid Limit of Soils,\" Thirty-Fifth ed, Standard Specifications for Transportation Materials and Methods of Sampling and Testing, pp. T 89-1−T 89-11.","AASHTO T90-15 (2015), \"AASHTO T 90-15 Standard Method of Test for Determining the Plastic Limit and Plasticity Index of Soils,\" Thirty-Fifth ed, Standard Specifications for Transportation Materials and Methods of Sampling and Testing, pp. T 90-1−T 90-5.","AASHTO M145-91 (2012), \"Standard Practice for Classification of Soils and Soil-Aggregate Mixtures for Highway Construction Purposes\", Thirty-Fifth ed 2015, Standard Specifications for Transportation Materials and Methods of Sampling and Testing, pp. M 145-1−M 145-8.","AASHTO T180-15 (2015), \"AASHTO T 180-15 Standard Method of Test for Moisture-Density Relations of Soils Using a 4.54-kg (10-lb) Rammer and a 457-mm (18-in.) Drop\", Thirty-Fifth ed, Standard Specifications for Transportation Materials and Methods of Sampling and Testing, pp. T 180-1 −T 180-13.","AASHTO T193-13 (2015), \"AASHTO T 193-13 Standard Method of Test for The California Bearing Ratio\", Thirty-Fifth ed, Standard Specifications for Transportation Materials and Methods of Sampling and Testing, pp. T 193-1 −T 193-11.","PK Kolay, B Dhakal, S Kumar, VK Puri (2016), \"Effect of Liquid Acrylic Polymer on Geotechnical Properties of Fine-Grained Soils\", Int. J. Geosynth. Gr. Eng., Volume 2, Issue 4.","K Maureen A (2009), \"Stabilization Selection Guide for Aggregate- and Native-Surfaced Low Volume Roads\", 7700—Transportation Mgmt 0877 1805—SDTDC, National Technology & Development Program, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, S.W., Washington, D.C.","JK David Hurst, Walter Schutte, Clay Lomax (2014), \"K31-APS Acrylic Co-Polymer Road Stabilization Product & Pavement Design Guide\", 2014 ed, K31 Road Engineering, LLC.","R Shillito, L Fenstermaker (2014), \"Soil Stabilization Methods with Potential for Application at the Nevada National Security Site : A Literature Review prepared by\", Nevada F. Off. Natl. Nucl. Secur. Adm. U.S. Dep. Energy, Las Vegas, Nevada, no. 45255.","S Rezaeimalek, J Huang, S Bin-Shafique (2017), \"Evaluation of curing method and mix design of a moisture activated polymer for sand stabilization\", Int. Conf. Transp. Infrastruct. Mater. (ICTIM 2017).","HBRC (2008), \"Egyptian Code of Practice ECP 104/4 'Road Materials and Testing\", Housing and Building National Research Center, Giza, Egypt.","AASHTO T106M/T 106-15 (2015), \"AASHTO T 106M/T 106-15 Standard Method of Test for Compressive Strength of Hydraulic Cement Mortar\", Thirty-Fifth ed, Standard Specifications for Transportation Materials and Methods of Sampling and Testing, pp. T 106M/T 106-1−T 106M/T 106-17.","AASHTO T85-14 (2015), \"AASHTO T 85-14 Standard Method of Test for Specific Gravity and Absorption of Coarse Aggregate,\" Thirty-Fifth Ed, Standard Specifications for Transportation Materials and Methods of Sampling and Testing, pp. T 85-1−T 85-9.","HBRC (2008), \"Egyptian Code of Practice ECP 104/6 Structural design of roads\", Housing and Building National Research Center, Giza, Egypt."]}

Objective To describe clinical and radiological characteristics of seropositive neuromyelitis optica (NMO) in Emirati patients. While epidemiology of seropositive NMO in Abu Dhabi has been reported in a previous paper, its clinical and MRI profiles among Emirati patients have not been previously fully investigated. Methods In our case series, we describe clinical and MRI characteristics of 5 Emirati patients with NMO, consecutively admitted at Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, a major tertiary hospital in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Results Patients were all females, mean age of onset (SD) was 41 (11) years, and 67% had autoimmune comorbidities. Most patients initially presented with acute myelitis (80%) while 20% got optic neuritis. Mean (SD) number of further relapses after onset was 3 (1) and mean (SD) disease duration was 12 (11) years. At MRI, apparent longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis was present in all patients affecting mostly the central gray matter of the cervical cord but extending as well to the thoracic portion. Furthermore, seropositive NMO related brain lesions were also observed. Conclusions Our work provides valuable information regarding seropositive NMO with the potential to increase recognition of this disorder in Abu Dhabi and confirms NMO findings described in the other populations with this disorder. Further research is needed to advance clinical and MRI characterization of seronegative NMO in the region.

Objective The United States faces an opioid crisis. Integrating prescription drug monitoring programs into electronic health records offers promise to improve opioid prescribing practices. This study aimed to evaluate 2 different user interface designs for prescription drug monitoring program and electronic health record integration. Materials and Methods Twenty-four resident physicians participated in a randomized controlled experiment using 4 simulated patient cases. In the conventional condition, prescription opioid histories were presented in tabular format, and computerized clinical decision support (CDS) was provided via interruptive modal dialogs (ie, pop-ups). The alternative condition featured a graphical opioid history, a cue to visit that history, and noninterruptive CDS. Two attending pain specialists judged prescription appropriateness. Results Participants in the alternative condition wrote more appropriate prescriptions. When asked after the experiment, most participants stated that they preferred the alternative design to the conventional design. Conclusions How patient information and CDS are presented appears to have a significant influence on opioid prescribing behavior.

Titanium dioxide (TiO2) has drawn widespread interest by researchers as a precious semiconductor that is responsive towards photodegradation of various pollutants. This catalyst has its own limitations such as fast electron-hole recombination, wide band gap, and can only be utilised under ultraviolet (UV) region. In order to overcome these problems, the addition of a metal-free dopant is a common practice to prevent electron-hole recombination and enhance photodegradation under visible light. Among various types of metal-free catalysts, carbon nitride material has received much attention due to its numerous benefits such as good in terms of physical and chemical strength, as well as an attractive electronic band combined with a band gap (2.7 eV). This review summarised recent works in the development of titania incorporated with graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) for enhanced photocatalytic activity.

The skyrocketing demand for olefins especially propylene, have necessitated continuous efforts in finding alternate route for olefins production. Hence, methanol to olefins (MTO) was recognized as a feasible process since methanol could simply be mass produced from any gasifiable carbon-based feedstock, such as natural gas, coal, and biomass. Essentially, obtaining a more stable catalyst would improve economy of the MTO process. Acidity of catalyst has major influence in MTO, thus it is an indispensable parameter for conversion of methanol into value-added products. The present paper discusses the reactions involved in MTO process and the effect of acidity in enhancement of light olefin selectivity and catalytic stability. The paper also captured perspectives of crucial research and future direction for catalysts development and technologies that can potentiallly boost olefin production and make it competitive with the conventional olefin production processes.

The increasing demand of natural gas and its rising cost have urged some countries to take initiatives to fulfil their energy needs. The production of substituted natural gas (SNG) by syngas (CO + H2) from coal or biomass is one of the most effective methods. As a promising source of energy, SNG has attracted much attention on research and applications due to the high demand for environmental protection. It is regarded as a clean energy source and an effective method for the application of coal resources, particularly in the regions with abundant coal resources but scarce natural gas such as in China [1-3]. SNG has attracted increasing attention due to its lower emission of sulphur and particulate matter. SNG is expected to be one of the main energy sources of the 21st century. It is environmentally friendly and less costly, has high calorific value, complete combustion, and smoke free compared to other energy sources. It has significant importance for the industrial level and transportation sectors.

Background and Purpose: To describe the final results of the TARGET Registry, a multicenter, real-world study of patients with intracranial aneurysms treated with new generation TARGET Coils. Methods: The TARGET Registry is a prospective, single-arm study with independent medical event monitoring and core-lab adjudication. Patients with de novo intracranial aneurysms were embolized with either TARGET-360° or helical coils in 12 US centers. The primary outcome was aneurysm packing density (PD), which was assessed immediately post-procedure. The secondary outcomes were immediate and long-term aneurysm occlusion rate using the Raymond Scale, and independent functional outcome using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). A secondary analysis investigated the influence of the use of 100% 360-complex coils on clinical and angiographic outcomes. Results: 148 patients with 157 aneurysms met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. 58 (39.2%) patients with ruptured and 90 (61.8%) with unruptured aneurysms were treated using TARGET 360°, helical Coils, or both. Median age was 58.3 (IQR 48.1-67.4), 73% female, and 71.6% were Caucasian. Median follow-up time was 5.9 (IQR 4.0-6.9) months. The majority were treated with TARGET 360-coils (63.7%), followed by mixed and helical coils only. Peri-procedural morbidity and mortality was seen in 2.7% of patients. A good outcome at discharge (mRS 0-2) was seen in 89.9% of the full cohort, and in 84.5 and 93.3% in the ruptured and unruptured patients, respectively. The median packing density was 28.8% (IQR 20.3-41.1). Long-term complete and near complete occlusion rate was seen in 90.4% of aneurysms and complete obliteration was seen in 66.2% of the aneurysms. No significant difference in clinical and angiographic outcomes were noted between the pure 360-complex coiling vs. mixed 360-complex/Helical coiling strategies. In a multivariate analysis, predictors for long-term aneurysm occlusion were aneurysm location, immediate occlusion grade, and aneurysm size. The long-term independent functional outcome was achieved in 128/135 (94.8%) patients and all-cause mortality was seen in 3/148 (2%) patients. Conclusion: In the multicenter TARGET Registry, two-thirds of aneurysms achieved long-term complete occlusion and 91.0% achieved complete or near complete occlusion with excellent independent functional outcome. Clinical Trial Registration: www.ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier: NCT01748903.

The new allocation criteria classify patients on veno-arterial extracorporeal membranous oxygenation (VA-ECMO) as the highest priority for receiving orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) especially if they are considered not candidates for ventricular assist devices. The outcomes of patients who receive ventricular assist devices (VADs) after being listed for heart transplantation with VA-ECMO is unknown. We analyzed 355 patients listed for OHT with VA-ECMO from the United Network for Organ Sharing database from 2006 to 2014. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional-hazards models were used to determine the contribution of prognostic variables to the outcome. Thirty-three patients (9.3%) received VADs (15 dischargeable, 7 non-dischargeable VADs). The VAD and non-VAD groups had similar listing characteristics except that the VAD group were more likely to have non-ischemic cardiomyopathy (48.5% vs. 25.2%), and less likely to be obese (6.1% vs. 25.2%) or have a history of prior organ transplant (3% vs. 31.1%). Patients who underwent VAD implantation had more days on the list (median 189 vs. 14 days) compared to the non-VAD group. Amongst the patients who had VADs, (25/33) 75.5% patients were subsequently transplanted with similar post-transplant survival compared to the non-VAD group (72% vs. 60.5%, p = 0.276). Predictors of one-year post-transplant mortality included panel reactive antibodies (PRA) class I &ge, 20%, recipient smoking history, increased serum creatinine and total bilirubin. Therefore, a small proportion of patients listed for transplantation with VA ECMO undergo VAD implantation. Their waitlist survival is better than non-VAD group but with similar post-transplant survival.

The burning of fossil fuels in power sectors for energy generating purposes and in agricultural country like Pakistan the residues of crops on large area of land are burnt every year that results in continuous addition of CO2 in environment. CO2 capture through solid based adsorbents is one of the best valued, echo friendly and techno-economic processes. The present research involves the development of activated carbons using five different waste biomass materials through single step chemical activation for effective CO2 adsorption, study of isosteric heat of adsorption and change in these values with a change in level of CO2 adsorbed. Chemical activation with single-step method was carried out to prepare the adsorbents. The samples were characterized and compared for the textural properties by recording isotherms of nitrogen adsorption at temperature of 77 K while CO2 adsorption curves at 273 K then at 298 K. SEM was brought into use to investigate morphological characters, surface morphology of activated carbons that confirms the presence of random micro-pores. Nonlinear density functional theory (NDLFT) strengthen the fact that CO2 adsorption depends upon the volume of pores. Samples have pore volume ranging from 0.11 cm3 to 0.44 cm3, whereas BET surface area values were observed from 439 m2/g up to 979 m2/g. Among the prepared activated carbons, the sample with date seeds as base material showed the uppermost uptake of 5.8 mmol/g at 273 K. Linear fitting of the curve between CO2 adsorbed and pore volume at a temperature of 273 K and 298 K with R2 values greater than 0.9 demonstrate the strong relation between pore volume, temperature and CO2 adsorbed. Isosteric heat of adsorption (IHA) values were found to be in the assortment of 44 KJ/mol with minimum value of 14.3 KJ/mol that decreases with increase of CO2 adsorption. High isosteric heat means strong interaction of CO2 molecules and prepared adsorbents. Obtained results confer base to use waste biomass materials for development of solid based adsorbents and use of these adsorbents in effective carbon capture applications to reduce the carbon footprints in the environment and avoid the waste burning of biomass residues. © 2021 Elsevier Ltd

An epidemiological study was conducted in North-East India (part of Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot) to better understand the distribution, diversity, and transmission of Clostridium perfringens among livestock, pets, wild animals (captive), and humans. A total of 160 C. perfringens isolates were recovered from 642 diarrhoeic faecal samples with an isolation rate of 24.92%. Isolation rate was the highest among captive wild animals (37.5%) followed by dog (34.6%), human (33.8%), pig (32.7%), cattle (20.8%), goat (18.3%) and poultry (9.3%). Isolates were toxin typed using a seven gene multiplex PCR designed for simultaneous detection of cpa, cpb, cpb2, etx, iap, cpe and netB. The majority of isolates, 128 (80%) were of type A, followed by 17 (10.62%), 5 (3.12%), 4 (2.5%), 3 (1.87%), 2 (1.25%) and 1 (0.63%) isolates of type C, D, E, G, F and B, respectively. Beta 2 toxin gene was present in 65 (50%) of type A isolates, followed by 7 (41.2%), 4 (80%), 1(25%), and 1 (100%) of type C, D, G and B isolates, respectively. Beta 2 toxin has a high prevalence among dogs (28.6%), cattle (27.3%), and pig (20.8%) compared to humans, goat, wild animals, and poultry (1.2–14.3%). The prevalence of CPE and NetB toxin-positive strains was low, with only 3 (1.8%) and 5 (3.1%) isolates, respectively. Association of C. perfringens with diarrhoea in Civet Cat, Golden Langur, and Gray Langur has been reported for the first time. The genetic diversity and transmission of isolates were investigated using automated rep-PCR (Diversilab®, bioMerieux) using two densitometry-based matrices: modified Kullback–Leibler (KL) and Pearson's correlation (PC). The PC and modified KL matrices formed three distinct clusters with 59% and 27.2% similarity, respectively. C. perfringens diversity and transmission were best studied using modified KL matrix that placed more emphasis on the presence of bands rather than intensity. However, the PC method was found to be more suitable for differentiating strains within a toxin type, with slightly higher D-values.

In this work, fibrous silica-titania (FST) was successfully prepared by the microemulsion method prior to the addition of three types of carbonaceous materials: graphitic-carbon nitride, g-C3N4 (CN), graphene nanoplatelets (GN), and multi-wall carbon nanotubes, MWCNT (CNT), via a solid-state microwave irradiation technique. The catalysts were characterized using XRD, FESEM, TEM, FTIR, UV-Vis DRS, N2 adsorption-desorption, XPS and ESR, while their photoactivity was examined on the degradation of toxic 2-chlorophenol (2-CP). The result demonstrated that the initial reaction rate was in the following order: CNFST (5.1 × 10–3 mM min-1) > GNFST (2.5 × 10–3 mM min-1) > CNTFST (2.3 × 10–3 mM min-1). The best performance was due to the polymeric structure of g-C3N4 with a good dispersion of C and N on the surface FST. This dispersion contributed towards an appropriate quantity of defect sites, as a consequence of the greater interaction between g-C3N4 and the FST support, that led to narrowed of band gap energy (2.98 eV to 2.10 eV). The effect of scavenger and ESR studies confirmed that the photodegradation over CNFST occurred via a Z-scheme mechanism. It is noteworthy that the addition of green carbonaceous materials on the FST markedly enhanced the photodegradation of toxic 2-CP.

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a heterogenous disorder involving multiple pathophysiological processes that ultimately affect the vasculature within the lungs. Right heart catheterization (RHC) continues to be the benchmark for diagnosing PH. The use of provocation techniques during RHC can help sub-characterize the type of PH and thus assist in developing appropriate treatment strategies for the management of each PH subtype. This review examines proven and novel approaches for evaluating the pulmonary vasculature during RHC and aspires to provide an accurate, clinically relevant framework for using RHC to diagnose and manage PH. Further improvement in standardized protocols will help optimize the application of RHC in patients with PH.

Recently, the discharge of flue gas has become a global issue due to the rapid development in industrial and anthropogenic activities. Various dry and wet treatment approaches including conventional and hybrid hybrid wet scrubbing have been employing to combat against these toxic exhaust emissions. However, certain issues i.e., large energy consumption, generation of secondary pollutants, low regeneration of scrubbing liquid and high efficieny are hindering their practical applications on industrial level. Despite this, the hybrid wet scrubbing technique (advanced oxidation, ionic-liquids and solid engineered interface hybrid materials based techniques) is gaining great attention because of its low installation costs, simultaneous removal of multi-air pollutants and low energy requirements. However, the lack of understanding about the basic principles and fundamental requirements are great hurdles for its commercial scale application, which is aim of this review article. This review article highlights the recent developments, minimization of GHG, sustainable improvements for the regeneration of used catalyst via green and electron rich donors. It explains, various hybrid wet scrubbing techniques can perform well under mild condition with possible improvements such as development of stable, heterogeneous catalysts, fast and in-situ regeneration for large scale applications. Finally, it discussed recovery of resources i.e., N2O, NH3 and N2, the key challenges about several competitive side products and loss of catalytic activity over time to treat toxic gases via feasible solutions by hybrid wet scrubbing techniques.

Food security is directly related to the ability of the land to support the population. Causes for land degradation are numerous and include the decline of soil fertility, development of acidity, salinization, alkalization, deterioration of soil structure, accelerated wind and water erosion, loss of organic matter and biodiversity. Thereafter, it is of critical importance to increase soil health and restore degraded soils in order to achieve sustainable development. Restoring the soil quality for crop production through the appropriate soil management and conservation techniques is important for all nations, primarily those at risk with respect to food security. Soil organic matter (SOM) plays a central role in maintaining soil functions and preventing soil degradation. Both organic matter and microorganism serve as a reservoir of plant nutrients. This study concluded that soil organic carbon and other mineral and nutrients restoration were noted with the soil modification and incorporation of various organic amendments. Plant residues and field biomass were promising for nutrients replenishment while biochar was the key component for the enrichment of soil organic carbon. Animal-based residues and manure application enhanced soil mineral and micronutrients concentration with the advantage of soil reclamation and restoration.

The core findings of this study revealed that physicochemical properties fluctuate with soil texture and soil class. Sandy soil showed inconsistent variation with geographical directions. Bulk density, lime content, EC and pH decreases with topography and soil elevation while these parameters increased from surface to subsurface soil within a profile. Nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and micronutrient increased with increase in elevation. All these parameters decreased from surface to subsurface soil. Water holding capacity and saturation percentage increased with increase in elevation, while decreased from surface to subsurface soil. Based on the critical level of phosphorus, the altitude was low in available P and available P was quite low than the crop requirements and so they will be classified as phosphorus-deficient soils.

Background:AX-202 is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits the bioactivity of S100A4. S100A4 is an alarm signal that is released from cells in response to stress or injury and functions as an amplifying mechanism of inflammation and fibrosis in the diseased tissue microenvironment. Previous in vitro studies have found that S100A4 induces fibroblast activation, sensitizes fibroblasts to the effects of TGFβ, drives epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and stimulates monocyte cytokine release (1-3). Moreover, S100A4-/- mice are protected from fibrosis in several animal models (1). In patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), S100A4 is elevated both in lesional tissue and systemically and correlates with skin involvement, disease activity, and pulmonary function.Objectives:The aim of this study was to assess the antifibrotic effects of murine AX-202 in two pre-clinical models of SSs reflecting both inflammation-mediated and inflammation non-mediated fibrosis and confirm the in vivo activity of humanized AX-202.Methods:We first evaluated the effects of murine AX-202 in the bleomycin-induced skin fibrosis model and the tight-skin 1 (Tsk-1) model. In the bleomycin (BLM) model, fibrosis was induced by 3 weeks of BLM s.c. injections followed by 3 weeks of AX-202 treatment in parallel with continued BLM s.c. injections. The control groups included NaCl s.c. injections for 6 weeks, BLM s.c. injections for 6 weeks, or BLM s.c. injections for 3 weeks, followed by NaCl s.c. injections for 3 weeks. Three dosing regimens of AX-202 were tested: 3.75, 7.5, or 12.5 mg/kg i.p. every 3rd day. In the Tsk-1 model, treatment with 7.5 mg/kg i.p. every 3rd day was administered from week 5 until week 10. The control groups included pa mice, Tsk-1 mice, and Tsk-1 mice treated i.p. with isotype IgG. We subsequently evaluated the effects of humanized AX-202 in the model of BLM-induced skin fibrosis in a similar design as used for the murine AX-202 study. Three dosing regimens were tested: 8 mg/kg and 16 mg/kg i.p. every 3rd day and 24 mg/kg i.v. once weekly.Results:In the BLM model, murine AX-202 (7.5 mg/kg) was effective both in the prevention of progression of pre-established skin fibrosis and in the induction of regression of fibrosis as assessed by the dermal thickness (-55%, pConclusion:We demonstrate that AX-202 confers potent antifibrotic effects in complementary models of SSc. These results confirm and expand previous data showing that inhibition of S100A4 by AX-202 is a promising potential therapeutic candidate for disease modification in SSc or other fibrotic conditions.References:[1]Tomcik M et al. S100A4 amplifies TGF-beta-induced fibroblast activation in systemic sclerosis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2015;74(9):1748-55.[2]Cerezo LA et al. The metastasis-associated protein S100A4 promotes the inflammatory response of mononuclear cells via the TLR4 signalling pathway in rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology (Oxford). 2014;53(8):1520-6.[3]Fei F, et al. Role of metastasis-induced protein S100A4 in human non-tumor pathophysiologies. Cell Biosci. 2017;7:64.Acknowledgements:The study was supported by Arxx Therapeutics and MHCR 023728.Disclosure of Interests:Michal Tomčík: None declared, Thuong Trinh-Minh: None declared, Cuong Tran Manh: None declared, Hana Štorkánová: None declared, Lenka Štorkánová: None declared, Ladislav Šenolt: None declared, Jörg Klingelhöfer Employee of: Arxx Therapeutics, Rizwan I Hussain Employee of: Arxx Therapeutics, Jonas Hallén Employee of: Arxx Therapeutics, Jörg H.W. Distler Shareholder of: the stock owner of 4D Science, Consultant of: Actelion, Active Biotech, Anamar, ARXX, Bayer Pharma, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Galapagos, GSK, Inventiva, JB Therapeutics, Medac, Pfizer, RuiYi and UCB, Grant/research support from: Anamar, Active Biotech, Array Biopharma, ARXX, aTyr, BMS, Bayer Pharma, Boehringer Ingelheim, Celgene, Galapagos, GSK, Inventiva, Novartis, Sanofi-Aventis, RedX, UCB

Silica-doped tetragonal zirconia nanoparticles (SiO2-ZrO2) catalysts were synthesized with the addition of ZrO2 prior to SiO2 by the microwave-assisted method and compared with a different sequence of ZrO2 and SiO2 (ZrO2-SiO2). The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption-desorption, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared, electron spin resonance, ultraviolet–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and photoluminescence analyses. The catalyst phase was pure tetragonal ZrO2 (t-ZrO2) with nano in size (9–10 nm). The sequential of SiO2 and ZrO2 precursors significantly affected the catalyst framework and led to a different number of pore volume and defect sites, including oxygen vacancies (OV), metal defects site (MDS) and Si-O-Zr bonds, which altered their behaviour towards t-ZrO2 stabilization and applications. It was found that the synergistic effect between nanocrystals and the appropriate amount of defect sites influenced the stabilization of t-ZrO2. The catalytic activity towards photodegradation of 2-chlorophenol (2-CP) are in the following order: SiO2-ZrO2 (92%) > ZrO2-SiO2 (59%) > ZrO2 (50%) > SiO2 (20%). The highest photoactivity of SiO2-ZrO2 is due to the large pore volume, which offered good surface contact with light. Besides, the higher crystallinity, Si-O-Zr bonds, and OV and MDS also could contribute to the excellent performance in 2-CP degradation. The abovementioned properties provided good electron-hole pair mobility and electron trapping for enhanced photoactivity.

This article explores the implications for identity through presenting a detailed analysis of how three British Pakistani women narrated their involvement in higher education. The increased participation of British South Asian women in higher education has been hailed as a major success story and is said to have enabled them to forge alternative, more empowering gender identities in comparison to previous generations. Drawing on generative narrative interviews conducted with three young women, we explore the under-researched area of Pakistani Muslim women in higher education. The central plotlines for their stories are respectively higher education as an escape from conforming to the “ good Muslim woman”; becoming an educated mother; and Muslim women can “ have it all.” Although the women narrated freedom to choose, their stories were complex. Through analysis of personal “I” and social “We” self-narration, we discuss the different ways in which they drew on agency and fashioned it within social and structural constraints of gender, class and religion. Thus, higher education is a context that both enables and constrains negotiations of identity.

A new silver complex [Ag(C 11 H 8 O 3 ) 2 ]NO 3 was synthesized by the reaction of silver nitrateand coumarin based ligand (3-acetyl- 2H- chromene-2-one) through solution method. The product was characterized using different analytical techniques like melting point, Infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. An antibacterial study of the complex was also studied for its possible use in medical treatment. KEY WORDS : Silver complex, Acetyl coumarin, Vibrational analysis, Antibacterial study Bull. Chem. Soc. Ethiop. 2016 , 30(3), 403-411 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/bcse.v30i3.8

The current work presents an exhaustively study on cooling rate-dependent yield behavior of Cu 50 Zr 50 (at%) and Ni 56 Nb 44 metallic glass (MG) wires fabricated by a melt-extraction technique. After tension test, based on the measurement of the fracture angle, the yield behavior of the MG wires with different diameters is analyzed. Based on the Mohr-Columb criterion, the cohesion strength of the MG wires is evaluated. According to the free volume model, the cohesion strength of the MG wires is quantitatively predicted. The correlation between the yield behavior and the quantity of free volume in the glassy phase is elucidated.

A new core–shell structure of polymethyl methacrylate/butyl acrylate copolymer/vinyl silica nanocomposite was successfully prepared in aqueous solution through seed emulsion polymerization. Vinyl-functionalized silica nanoparticles were synthesized using sol–gel technique of triethoxyvinylsilane in aqueous solution. New established covalent bond between the vinyl groups located on the surface of vinyl-functionalized silica nanoparticles and vinyl group of monomers and the encapsulation into methyl methacrylate/butyl acrylate copolymer through seed emulsion polymerization process. The prepared core–shell latex polymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, UV–vis, thermal analyses, tensile strength, elongation at break, field emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and zeta potential. The tensile strength improved by introducing vinyl silica into the matrix up to 5%, which proved the reinforcing role of vinyl silica in the matrix of polymer.

In a strained metallic glass (MG), depending on its fracture toughness, the failure mode can be dominated by shear-banding failure (for tough MGs) or cracking failure (for brittle MGs). During the fracture process, crack formation and propagation create a nonlinear strain field at crack tip. The transportation of the strain energy stored in the strained MG to the crack tip is of importance in understanding the deformation mechanism of MGs. By using digital image correlation method, we perform direct and precise measurements of the strain concentration, including maximum strain value and the strain-energy distribution, in four MGs. After yielding, plastic deformation is localized into shear bands or crack tip in a scale of micrometer, which means a systematic transition from the linear elastic behavior to the strongly nonlinear behavior. Through quantitatively evaluating the balance between the fracture energy and the strain-energy density, the failure modes are discussed based on a hyperelasticity model. This result provides a comprehensive picture of how remotely applied forces drive MGs failure in the fundamentals of fracture states.

Patients with primary immunodeficiency disease (PIDD) typically require life-long intravenous (IV) or subcutaneous (SC) immunoglobulin (Ig) replacement therapy to prevent recurrent infections. The efficacy, safety, and pharmacokinetics of a highly concentrated (20 %) Ig preparation for SC administration (IGSC 20 %) were evaluated in a prospective trial in patients with PIDD. A total of 74 patients (aged 3–83 years) received 4327 IGSC 20 % infusions over a median of 380.5 days. The rate of validated serious bacterial infections was 0.012 event/patient-year (p 14.5 g/l. The median maximum infusion rate was 60 ml/h/site (range 4.4–180), resulting in a median infusion duration of 0.95 h. A volume ≥30 ml was infused per site in 74.8 % of IGSC 20 % infusions. Most (84.9 %) infusions were administered using ≤2 infusion sites; for 99.8 % of infusions, there was no need to interrupt/stop administration or reduce the infusion rate. No related serious adverse event (AE) occurred during IGSC 20 % treatment; related non-serious AEs occurred at a rate of 0.036 event/infusion. The incidence of related local AEs was 0.015 event/infusion and of related systemic AEs was 0.021 event/infusion; most were mild in severity, none severe. Increased infusion rates or volumes were not associated with higher AE rates. The investigated IGSC 20 % treatment was shown to be effective and safe, enabling higher infusion rates and volumes per site compared to conventional SC treatments, resulting in fewer infusion sites and shorter infusion durations. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10875-016-0327-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

To identify the beneficial effects of primary stroke centers (PSCs) certification by Joint Commission (JC), we compared the rates of in-hospital adverse events and discharge outcomes among ischemic stroke patients admitted to PSCs and those admitted to non-PSC hospitals in the United States.We obtained the data from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2010 and 2011. The analysis was limited to states that publicly reported hospital identity. PSCs were identified by matching the Nationwide Inpatient Sample hospital files with the list provided by JC. The analysis was limited to patients (age ≥18 years) discharged with a principal diagnosis of ischemic stroke (International Classification of Disease, 9th Revision, codes 433.x1, 434.x1).We identified a total of 123,131 ischemic stroke patients from 28 states. A total of 72,982 (59.3%) patients were admitted to PSCs. After adjusting for age, gender, race or ethnicity, comorbidities, All Patients Refined Diagnosis Related Groups (APR-DRG)-based disease severity, and hospital teaching status, patients admitted to PSCs were at lower risk of in-hospital adverse events complications: pneumonia (odds ratio [OR], .8; 95% confidence interval [CI], .7-.8) and sepsis (OR, .7; 95% CI, .6-.8). Patients admitted to PSCs were more likely to receive thrombolysis (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 1.5-1.7). The mean cost of hospitalization (95% CI) of the patients was significantly higher in patients admitted at PSCs compared with those admitted at non PSC hospitals $47621 (47099-48144) vs. $35229 (34803-35654), P .0001). The patients admitted to PSCs had lower inpatient mortality (OR, .8; 95% CI, .8-.9) and were more likely to be discharged with none to minimal disability (OR, 1.1; 95% CI, 1.0-1.1).Compared with non-PSC admissions, patients admitted to PSCs are less likely to experience hospital adverse events and more likely to experience better discharge outcomes.

We developed and validated a new index to provide risk adjustment and to predict in-hospital patient mortality and other outcomes in patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy (CEA).The primary endpoint was occurrence of stroke, cardiac complications, or death during hospitalization for CEA derived from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify the effect of clinical and demographic factors on occurrence of the primary endpoint. Data from 2005 to 2006 (study period 1) were used to derive risk index score whereas data from 2007 to 2009 (study period 2) were used for validation of the risk index.A total of 120,633 patients with mean age in years [ ±SD] of 71.1[ ±9.5] (42.4% women) underwent CEA during the derivation period. The rate of occurrence of composite endpoint during study period 1 was 3.1%. Predictors of the composite endpoint were (odds ratio [OR], P value) as follows: age 70 years or older (1.15, .013 assigned 1 point), atrial fibrillation (3.18, .0001 assigned 3 points), Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) (1.81, .0001 assigned 2 points), cigarette smoking (1.64, .0001 assigned 2 points), symptomatic status (1.87, .001 assigned 2 points), and chronic renal failure (1.64, .0001 assigned 2 points). When applied to the validation cohort (n = 71,222), patients with scores 0-1 (OR 1.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-1.8), scores 2-3 (OR 4.0, 95% CI 3.8-4.3), scores 4-5 (OR 7.5, 95% CI 6.8-8.2), and scores greater than 5 (OR 10.9, 95% CI 9.8-12.2) had composite rates of endpoint. The receiver operating characteristic curve of the risk index was 68.5% [±SE 0.5%].New risk index will assist in risk adjustment for analyses of outcomes in large administrative data sets for comparative studies involving patients undergoing CEA.

Capacitive deionization (CDI) has attracted huge interest as an emerging desalination technology. To explore carbon electrode materials with high performance is the key for CDI technology. In this work, the N-doped hierarchical porous carbon (N-HPC) was fabricated via pyrolysis of hypercrosslinked diblock copolymer (PEO113-b-PS192) with a nitrogen-enriched melamine. The as-prepared N-HPC was further applied as CDI electrode. This electrode showed enhanced electrochemical performance with a specific capacitance of 182.6 F g−1 and an outstanding electrosorption capacity of 13.76 mg g−1 in 500 mg L−1 NaCl solution, which are higher than those of its undoped counterpart (66.7 F g−1 and 10.27 mg g−1, respectively). Such an improvement was attributed to synergistic effect from the combination of nitrogen-doped property and the hierarchical porous structure. After 6 adsorption-desorption cycles, a stable electrosorption capacity can be realized without appreciable declination, suggesting a good repeatability of electrosorption process. These results imply that N-HPC has great potential as a promising electrode material for CDI application.

Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) and poly(styrene-co-butyl acrylate)/organo-silica nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending in a twin screw bara-bender. The structural, morphological, thermal, and mechanical properties of the prepared nanocomposites were investigated using Fourier Transform Infrared, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy, and thermal analysis (TGA and DSC). In addition, the tensile properties were identified. It was found that addition of 5% poly(styrene-co-butyl acrylate)/organo-silica to the matrix of EVA has improved the tensile strength of the nanocomposite by 29%. The thermal stability of the nanocomposites has been improved and the residue (char % at 500°C) reaches its maximum value. POLYM. COMPOS., 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers

Poly (methyl methacrylate-co-butyl acrylate) as shell and vinyl silica nano-particles as core were prepared by in situ seed emulsion polymerization. The monomer concentration ratio of butyl acrylate (BuA), and methyl methacrylate (MMA) was changed. The ratio of the monomers MMA/BuA were 60/40, 70/30, 40/60 and 30/70 at constant dose of vinyl silica nano-particles 5% (based on total monomer ratio). The prepared nano emulsions were characterized using thermal analyses, HRTEM, FTIR and Zeta potential. The results have shown that monomer concentration ratio had a significant influence on glass transition temperature (Tg). Thermo gravimetric analysis showed that the systems with higher BuA fraction had better thermal stability than systems with higher (MMA) fraction.